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Assessment in the Schools: Purposes and Consequences ESE

Author(s):
Messick, Samuel J.
Publication Year:
1987
Report Number:
RR-87-51
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
23
Subject/Key Words:
Educational Assessment, Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE), Evaluation, Test Use

Abstract

The use and fairness of testing in the schools is seen by different people in different ways, partly as a function of how the use of test results might influence their own prospects and position. Multiple purposes of testing in schools are examined. Then actual and potential consequences of testing are considered. Also considered are how any negative consequences might be turned around by improved practices or new developments. The consequences of not testing in the schools are briefly addressed in terms of social values that are thereby served or not served. The two main purposes of testing in the schools are to assess developed abilities or aptitudes of pupils and to assess student subject-matter achievement. General and content-specific limitations of testing are discussed. (SGK) (23pp.)

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