A discussion on the tension between university organizational interests and individual student interests with respect to the use of admissions tests is presented. Responsibilities of colleges and professional schools toward an increasingly pluralistic society are examined, and the need for more research on evaluating human competencies is urged.…

Discusses issues pertinent to the testing of Hispanic children whose learning difficulties may indicate a handicap. Describes the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) (Mercer and Lewis, 1979), reviews the educational status of Hispanic children in the United States, and outlines preliminary findings from the SOMPA II project.…

Arguments for and against disclosure of standardized test contents and answers, addressing issues of humanizing the testing process, equalizing educational opportunity, ensuring accountability, minimizing costs, ensuring fairness, and protecting test validity, are presented. (MSE)

The author examines the history and impact of two significant but conflicting legal decisions in cases that challenged the validity and cultural fairness of standardized IQ tests: Larry P. v. Riles (California) and PASE v. Hannon (Illinois). (Editor/SJL)

This review of the background and current status of state level activities in testing documents the shift in locus of educational control from local school districts to state agencies, the key dimensions characterizing such programs, factors influencing their implementation and their possible impact. (Author/AEF)

A study of the 1980 graduating class of teachers at North Texas State University revealed that academic criteria played no significant role in the job-hunting experiences of those students. The author urges school districts to rely on academic competence rather than standardized tests in hiring new teachers. (Author/WD)

Surveys recent judicial examinations of educational practices, considers the role of psychological testing in efforts to block desegregation, and evaluates legislation concerning the testing process. Available from Maryland Law Review, Inc., University of Maryland School of Law, 500 West Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201. (Author/IRT)

Five standardized tests of reading achievement were administered to community college freshmen. Students took two different tests on consecutive days. Grade-equivalent scores on tests were compared. Differences were found between tests based on the number of students who reached the criterion score of grade-equivalent 11 or 12. (Author/CTM)

Interviews with administrators in western Pennsylvania concerning standardized testing revealed that central office administrators do not perceive themselves to be primary users of test information. They prefer to consider personal or teacher observation, parental and community feedback, and the achievements of students and graduates as…

Argues that general semantics research into prejudice has made only minor contributions to an understanding of prejudice because of weak experimental designs. Suggests improvements in research methodology and urges that knowledge of the semantic world of minority groups be sought as a prerequisite to eliminating cultural bias in standardized…

An investigation of Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) retest scores indicates that limited retest improvement may result when initial scores are fairly low or below what might be predicted based on grade point averages. However, when initial scores approach the national, standardized MCAT mean, or are above what might be predicted, significant…

The extent to which the Pharmacy College Admissions Test and other admissions criteria predict (1) academic performance during later years at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and (2) scores on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Licensing Examination (NABPLEX), and a board of pharmacy law examination are assessed.…

The development of a model for more effective usage of group administered standardized tests is developed. A method is illustrated which uses item groupings from subtests allowing a more effective use of the data for program and curricular decisions. (Author)

Comments on the apparent disparity between mathematics achievement as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and various international studies, focusing on the comparability among studies, the magnitude of change in average test scores, and the role of family-related factors in achievement trends in other countries. (SM)

Investigated the value of an instrument measuring noncognitive variables and scores on the Scholastic Assessment Tests as predictors of academic achievement of women college students. Found both noncognitive (especially demonstrated community service) and academic variables (mathematical and verbal skills) were significantly related to women's…