Because a critical issue in current assessment efforts is the widespread use of technically inadequate tests, the study examined tests chosen by 159 school professionals during a computer simulation of placement decision making about potentially handicapped students. Chi square analysis showed technically adequate devices were chosen proportionately more often than technically inadequate devices when norms were considered. This differentiation was not found when adequacy was defined by validity and reliability. The author concluded that more emphasis is needed in training school professionals on the importance of technically adequate assessment devices. (Author/CL)