Discusses the exact meaning and limitations of commonly used types of standardized test scores: grade equivalent scores; percentile ranks, and standard scores. (SR)

While minority groups achieved higher scores on standardized college admissions tests, overall the average scores changed little. Both major testing services reported administering more scores than last year, suggesting a possible increase in college enrollments. These results have been both praised and criticized. (MSE)

A study of test results of would-be teachers in 19 states documented the failure of nearly 38,000 members of minority groups. Critics say testing requirements are limiting the racial and cultural makeup of the nation's teaching force at a time of growing ethnic and racial diversity in public schools. (MLW)

High-school student achievement on college entrance examinations remained the same in 1987 despite spending increases Secretary of Education Bennett reported, quoting from a Department of Education survey on teacher salaries, pupil-teacher ratios, education spending, the proportion of students taking the Advanced Placement examinations, and…

News media reports about Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and trends have drawn or suggested conclusions about the quality of schools, teachers, and colleges that are neither supported by evidence from the test itself nor consistent with its nature and purpose. (MSE)

Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh initiated an education reform package, "Turning the Tide: An Agenda for Excellence in Pennsylvania Public Schools" in October 1983. The statewide competency testing program which followed was "Testing for Essential Learning and Literacy Skills (TELLS), and it tested reading and mathematics…