The Use of Tests in Educational Licensing, Employment, and Promotion

Abstract

In this period of our country's history, tests for teachers are neither widely used nor highly acclaimed. They have been criticized for lack of validity as indicators of classroom effectiveness. They have been indicted as instruments of discrimination against minority group teachers. States have been enjoined from using them. There is certainly some basis for these criticisms and prohibitions. Nevertheless, I propose in this paper to defend the appropriate use of good tests in the licensing, employment, and promotion of teachers.