Final answer:
The topic centers on standardized tests like WISC, KTEA, SAT, and PRAXIS, which are designed to measure student learning, assign grades, and compare students' performances. These tests use a norm-referenced scoring system and are periodically normed to maintain their validity and reliability. The Wechsler series, such as WISC-V and WAIS-IV, are notable examples of intelligence assessments used widely in educational settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Standardized Tests
The discussion pertains to standardized tests, which are designed to measure student learning, assign grades, and sort or compare student performance. These tests, often formal and standardized, include tools like the WISC, KTEA, SAT, and PRAXIS. They are typically norm-referenced, meaning they are intended to compare a student's performance against a norm group. The scoring system to evaluate these tests is developed through a process called norming, which ensures consistency, validity, and reliability of the results. Various intelligence tests, in particular, have been a vital part of our educational and psychological assessments. The Wechsler series, for example, comprises different versions calibrated for various age groups, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV).
These tests are administered to gauge intelligence based on a range of cognitive skills, and they are periodically updated to maintain accuracy and standards. Criticism of standardized tests often points to questions of validity, such as whether the SAT and ACT effectively predict college success. Notably, the College Board's research suggests high predictive validity of the SAT in forecasting college freshmen's GPA. This aspect of testing is crucial because it underlines the importance of standardized tests in informing education systems and shaping student's futures.