Right-handed sixth graders were administered the WISC Block Design and verbal and nonverbal versions of the Rod-and-Frame Test (RFT), measuring field dependence/independence. Results seemed to reflect a right hemisphere processing for the nonverbal RFT and a possible sex bias against girls in its traditional verbal administration. (Author/SJL)

Intellectual assessment of institutionalized delinquents is discussed as a social labeling process. A three step hierarchical evaluation schema is proposed to maximize the accuracy and efficiency of assessment procedures and minimize negative labeling. (Author)

The need for changing existing attitudes and practices toward minority cultural groups and ways in which this might be accomplished are discussed. (RW)

Considers equity issues of highstakes tests conducted by computer, including whether this new form of assessment actually helps level the playing field for students or represents a new cycle of assessment inequality. Two computer tests are assessed: Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessment; and the computerized version of the Graduate Record…

The American College Testing (ACT) Objective Test was evaluated over a one-year period for its ability to assess general educational outcomes with Associate of Arts degree candidates at the General College of the University of Minnesota. It was concluded that the ACT did not provide an adequate measure of educational gains and might be culturally…

Examines the format and nature of the two required writing tasks in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English Examination. Asserts that the test assignments do not properly assess writing ability and are problematic, tedious, and ineptly-conceived ordeals for pupils. Discusses the use of writing folders as an alternative. (KEH)

Reviews the evaluation by the National Academy of Science (NAS) of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB), which was developed to predict the job performance of potential employees. Proposes that the NAS recommendation to correct the GATB's racial bias by "race-norming" was a political decision and not scientifically justified. (FMW)

Considers racial impact of using ability tests for employment decisions. Notes agreement that large differences exist in performance on general ability among races and that there is probable relation between general ability and job performance for most jobs; disagreement about whether racial differences in general ability are fixed and about size…

Extensions of unidimensional appropriateness indices are developed for multiunidimensional tests (multidimensional tests composed of unidimensional subtests). Simulated and real data (scores of 2,978 students on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) were used to evaluate the indices' effectiveness in determining individuals who are…

This book reports results of a National Research Council study and the validity of generalizing from its studies of about 500 occupations to over 12,000 jobs. The use of the General Aptitude Test Battery for prediction is discussed, and its impact and recommendations for future use are considered. (SLD)

A culture-specific approach to identifying artistic talent in African-American students is presented, called Tactuality. Tactuality identifies four characteristics: emotional intensity, flexibility and open-endedness, holistic perception, and tactile sensitivity. A pilot test with 63 fourth graders resulted in statistical problems with validation.…

After a mailed questionnaire and two follow-ups, hard-core survey nonrespondents were contacted to ask why they had not responded and what they would have answered had they responded. Results from 28 subjects indicate that efforts to pursue nonrespondents may be unnecessary, because bias resulting from nonresponse appeared minimal. (SLD)

Critiques two 1992 "Economics of Education" articles using the "P" test to probe the screening hypothesis by comparing educational rates of return in private and public sectors. This method ignores two important phenomena--ability bias and selectivity bias. The outcome of the "P" test might change if a richer data set…