School Testing: What Parents and Educators Need to Know [Hardcover]

Estelle S. Gellman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0275948005 | ISBN-13: 978-0275948009

Despite their inherent, consistent emphasis in our educational system, test scores are not infallible measurements of a student's ability, skill, or knowledge. Therefore, they should not be viewed in isolation by educators and, more importantly, by parents. In this book, Estelle S. Gellman provides parents and educators with the information necessary to interpret the test scores one encounters in today's schools. While not a scathing condemnation of testing, the book strongly emphasizes that test performance must be interpreted with respect to the limitations of the test itself and how the score corresponds with other information known about the individual test-taker. In her examination, which covers both teacher-made and standardized tests, Gellman is careful to present technical information in a way that can be readily understood by both parents and educators. The book explains the different types of tests that are used, the purposes for which they are given, and the qualities that they should exhibit. Separate chapters give attention to achievement tests, aptitude tests, and tests of personality and interests. Other chapters take on issues of testing children with disabilities and the use of test scores in decision making. By addressing the limitations of tests, this source will allow educators and parents to reap the benefit of information that they do provide.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For parents and teachers caught up in the maelstrom of using test scores to make educational decisions, this book is useful. Gellman, professor of counseling, research, special education and rehabilitation at Hofstra University on Long Island, points out the fallibility of tests as well as the valuable information they can provide about a student's skills and abilities. The author identifies the major types of tests administered to schoolchildren and the kinds of information they provide. For readers intimidated by statistics, her approach to the concepts of test validity and reliability is generally accessible. Although not rejecting tests and their validity, Gellman emphasizes that their results must be viewed in terms of the test's limitations and be considered with whatever else is known about the test taker. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“...the book will be an excellent resource for those uninitiated in the use of published tests. Gellman explains the multiple purposes for which educational testing is conducted and deals smoothly with such central tenets of true score theory as reliability, validity, and the standard error of measurement, all of which can be troublesome for nonexperts. Her discussion of the different kinds of tests used in the schools is replete with sample items that explain the tests' purpose and familiarize the reader with their use. Without apologies for the use of traditional tests, the author provides a reasoned explanation of their applications and a thorough discussion of their variety. The book will be a great resource for nonprofessionals, and useful to scholars at all levels.”–Choice

“For parents and teachers caught up in the maelstrom of using test scores to make educational decisions, this book is useful . . . Although not rejecting tests and their validity, Gellman emphasizes that their results must be viewed in terms of the test's limitations . . .”–Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (February 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275948005
• ISBN-13: 978-0275948009
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,054,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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