This study was designed to determine item bias by sex on a test of spatial visualization administered to middle school students. Two chi square techniques were used to assess item bias: the Scheuneman C2 and the Camilli chi square. The direction of bias was indicated by assigning positive signs to the chi square components contributed by one group…

Differential functioning of males and females on achievement test items was studied in a sample of 110,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12. First, item parameters and ability estimates for these parameters were obtained from LOGIST computer program runs for the entire group. Predicted performance for each item for each group was…

Barbara Jordan served as the hearing officer for three-day adversary evaluation hearings about the pros and cons of minimum competency testing (MCT). This report is the complete transcript of the second day of proceedings. The pro team, lead by James Popham, began by presenting representatives of four states (Florida, California, Texas, and…

A standard method for exploring item bias is the intergroup comparison of item difficulties. This paper describes a refinement and generalization of this technique. In contrast to prior approaches, the proposed method deletes outlying items from the formulation of a criterion for identifying items as deviant. It also extends the mathematical…

The controversy over the use of standardized tests with minority-group children has generally ignored the issue of examiner race and sex factors on test performance. This study investigated the effects of the race and sex of a test examiner and the anxiety level of the subjects and their achievement test performance. Examiners (E) of different…

This technical report contains the text of papers presented at a conference on personnel selection research. The conference brought together scholars to share their ideas regarding ways in which their own special interests help shed light on ability-performance relationships observed in personnel selection studies. The contributions can be divided…

Because it is a true score model employing item parameters which are independent of the examined sample, item characteristic curve theory (ICC) offers several advantages over classical measurement theory. In this paper an approach to biased item identification using ICC theory is described and applied. The ICC theory approach is attractive in that…

Argues that standardized IQ, aptitude, and achievement tests are biased against persons of low socioeconomic status. (IRT)

The author of "The Tyranny of Testing" discusses his objections to standardized testing. (IRT)

Explains how changing the focus of the secondary school examination was used to improve the curriculum in Western Samoa. (ND)

Results suggest that a significant proportion of observed race differences on some performance tasks may be attributable to a failure of many blacks to use spontaneously an efficient verbal strategy rather than a genetic reasoning deficit. (Author/DEP)

A series of studies on conceptual and design problems in competency-based measurements are explained. The concept of validity within the context of criterion-referenced measurement is reviewed. The authors believe validation should be viewed as a process rather than an end product. It is the process of marshalling evidence to support…

The report contains papers presented at a University of Vermont conference on the implementation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142), entitled "A Free Appropriate Public Education for All." Titles and authors include "The Legislative Intent" (R. Stafford), "Perspectives From the Bureau of…

Three levels of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were studied to disclose the possible existence of sex bias in mathematics test items. Two mathematics tests (mathematical concepts and mathematics problem solving) and two comparison verbal tests (vocabulary and reading) were selected for analysis at three levels--grades 3, 6, and 8. Samples of 480…

One of a series of instructional packets to aid schools in reducing sex stereotypes, this inservice guide for use with school personnel is designed to reiterate the necessity for careful examination and evaluation of testing materials to determine the degree to which they are free of sexual discrimination, bias, and stereotyping. The applicable…