This study was designed to investigate the impact of the National Teacher Examination (NTE) Core Battery and Specialty Area tests on the selection of teachers. The areas examined were how states use the NTE Programs Tests; distribution of test takers and test scores by racial/ethnic group; impact of qualifying scores on passing rates of these…

This study tests the hypothesis of a gender difference in academic achievement as a function of measurement method. The biasing influence of measurement method on achievement has been recognized. Campbell and Fiske (1959) suggested that a considerable proportion of the variation in test scores may be due to features of the form of test (method)…

This paper reviews and assesses the data that show black children are being placed in Educable Mentally Retarded (EMR) classes at rates which are two to four times greater than whites or any other ethnic group in the nation. Discussed are the results and implications of a study involving a comparative analysis of the national statistics of the…

Potential sources of bias in dual language achievement tests were identified and examined. Content, concepts, and vocabulary presented in monolingual English curricula may differ drastically from those presented in bilingual curricula. The Spanish or English versions of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) were administered to 1259…

This study describes the role of an advisory panel of minority educators in the development of the seventh edition of Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) and the second editions of Stanford Early School Achievement Test (SESAT) and Stanford Test of Academic Skills (TASK). Detailed information on the formation of this panel and the review process in…

To test for item bias, it must be determined whether an item fits the model. Two approaches to defining bias within the framework of the Rasch model are examined. One compares within-group fit mean squares and the other utilizes a between-group fit statistic. Results from both approaches overlap somewhat, but are distinct in many different but…

This article discusses the fairness and legality of competency testing programs for the handicapped. The following concerns are addressed: (1) exemptions for handicapped students; (2) individual determinations; (3) differential diplomas and standards; and (4) differential assessment procedures. A discussion of the legal implications indicates…

The report examines due process protections and requirements in evaluation as mandated by P.O. 94-142 (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and Maryland special education Bylaw. A checklist guide for Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) personnel to ensure protection in evaluation is provided. Self check guidelines touch on 16…

It is proposed that statistical tests for item bias, when they are based on the three-parameter logistic item characteristic curve, should begin by testing for differences in the third parameter, the pseudo-chance level or "guessing" parameter. Other item-bias studies that have not considered the third parameter are discussed. Asymptotic…

Focusing on the problems of assessing the speaking skills of secondary school students, this paper provides one example of how those problems were addressed in the Massachusetts speaking assessment. The paper identifies four requirements for measures of speaking skills: (1) feasibility, (2) reliability, (3) validity, and (4) freedom from bias. The…

This handbook aims to help parents become more familiar with the testing that goes on in their community schools. The first two chapters provide general background on testing, giving the reason and scope of educational testing today, and highlighting the fundamentals of the testing-measurement process. Chapters 3 and 4 consider the various…

The paper examines issues involving the implementation of P.L. 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, with minority group students. A critique of studies on minority concerns is presented, and such assessment issues as technical problems and the implications of ability grouping for minorities, are explored. Considerations in…

The opinions presented reflect those of the National Education Association Task Force on Testing: that norm referenced tests are often misused, and that problems are also associated with criterion referenced tests. A list of warnings for teachers considering the use of criterion referenced tests includes: (1) common deficiencies in testing need to…

The final report of a project on learning potential assessment for educable mentally retarded students reviews previous research in the area, presents 13 formal reports completed under the grant, and summarizes conclusions and implications on the topic. The first section explains the differences between learning potential (LP) assessment and…

Responses on both the state and trait scales of the State-Trait Anxiety (STAI) Inventory were examined under two conditions. The first condition presented a simulated real-life situation containing competitive and evaluative cues without directly suggesting faking and asked subjects to complete the STAI. After an intervening task, the STAI was…