Educational Testing

Archive Report

Testing in Modern School Programs

Concern Over Extensive Dependence on Tests

The practice of putting American elementary and high school students through uniform, standardized tests, designed to measure accurately a wide range of competencies, was given a strong boost last September when the National Defense Education Act authorized federal aid to expand and strengthen testing programs. Scores obtained on the standardized tests carry considerable weight in determining which high school pupils will take college preparatory courses and which graduates will be admitted to college. The tests are being used increasingly in the lower grades to help evaluate pupil ability and progress and, in some cases, to help determine whether a child shall be assigned to a fast or a slow learning group.

Half a century ago, most ...

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