Discusses low reading levels, the drop in SAT scores, and the drop in language enrollments in relation to the study of classics.

A recent study of "A Better Chance" students indicates that minority students do succeed at selective colleges but that their successes cannot be predicted by SAT scores alone. Findings of a study of 334 black and Spanish-surnamed students enrolled at 20 top American colleges are reported. (LBH)

Describes social trends that, since the 1960s, have spawned new forms and uses of standardized testing, including educational growth, shifts in the locus of school control, and politicization of education. Discusses the new state-mandated tests. Presents a set of propositions to guide understanding of the testing debate and controversy. (KH)

Evidence from recent studies of college graduate test performance, employment patterns, and salary levels challenge the common assumption that college study of the humanities is impractical. (MSE)

In an investigation of trends in grade inflation, the grade point averages and Medical College Admission Tests scores for medical school applicants in all undergraduate colleges with at least five such applicants were compared over four years. (MSE)

Investigates the reading-writing relationship, emphasizing theories postulating identicality of knowledge use. Administered four reading measures and eight writing measures to second and fifth graders and found few correlations between reading and writing variables. Suggests little improvement arises from combining reading and writing or from…

This article examines the effect of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (P-PST) and the Examination for the Certification of Teachers in Texas (ExCET) on Hispanics and Blacks and the tests' implications for the future pool of minorities in preservice teacher education programs and in the teaching force. (JL)

The use of tests or grade point averages as the sole criterion for teacher certification or entrance into teacher education programs raises many concerns, especially about the future of minorities as teachers. This thesis is discussed and some alternatives to such standards are suggested. (JL)

The efficacy of Raven's Matrices in the gifted identification process is reviewed, focusing on their reliability, validity, and fairness and comparing them with other intelligence tests. It is concluded that, despite problems with narrowness of scope and standardization practices, these tests provide a useful screening device for intellectually…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II voted to adopt academic standards for freshman athletes that are identical to those in effect in Division I. Officials of Black colleges opposed the inclusion of standardized-test scores in the regulations. The roll-call vote is provided. (MLW)

Behaviorally disturbed students were administered portions of a test battery including the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT), and the Stanford Diagnostic Mathematics Test (SDMT). Results on the predictive validity of the instruments for mathematics and reading are given. (Author/ABB)

Describes a study of the interrelationships among three tests (a standardized English-as-a-second-language test, a cloze test, and a written composition test) which sought to determine whether adding the cloze test to the ESL test would improve the predictability of students' communicative proficiency, as reflected in their writing test…

Standardized tests have been used to deny Blacks and other non-Whites access to higher education and employment. The tests do not measure intelligence or innate ability but rather vocabulary, philosophical concepts, and literary devices. Black scholars must lead in developing a system to help Black students overcome these cultural biases. (KH)

Examines the reasons for test-centered educational reform and suggests that this has lead to decreased reliance on professional judgment and increased state regulations. Predicts that the operation of the schools as organizations will continue to be affected by the increased reliance on technical evidence. (MLF)