ERIC Number: ED204382
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1981-Apr-15
Pages: 11
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Time for Faith.
Lennon, Roger T.
The spread of testing to its present near-universal status in American education is ascribed in part to the fact that tests have been found generally superior to suggested alternative ways of obtaining information about human behavior. Where alternative methods are used, it is from necessity rather than choice: there are important human characteristics for which no adequate tests exist. The approximately fifty million Americans taking part in some kind of formal learning experiences give rise to a vast array of information needs, including data about their aptitudes, learning difficulties, achievement status, program effectiveness, etc. These information needs present the measurement profession with challenge and opportunity. It is suggested that measurement practitioners have been over-reacting to critics and insufficiently confident in their own contribution. The acceptance and influence of testing in American education should be a source of pride to them. (Author)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Presidential Address presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Council on Measurement in Education (Los Angeles, CA, April 11-17, 1981).