Describe three arguments for and against the use of intelligence tests with ethnic minority children

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students should be able to articulate at least three of the following arguments against the use of intelligence tests with minority children:
1. Intelligence tests are culturally biased because most of them have been developed by middle-class White people who bring their own experiences into the creation of the tests. Some test items require knowledge about White middle-class culture that minority students may be less likely to possess.
2. Students from minority backgrounds may have less experience in test-taking situations and less developed test-taking skills. They also may be less clear on the perceived importance of these tests.
3. Most test examiners are White individuals who may have difficulty developing rapport and communication with students from minority backgrounds.
4. Students' test results may lead to inferior educational tracking.
5. Students may be affected by stereotype threat.

Students should be able to articulate at least three of the following arguments in favor of the use of intelligence tests with minority children:
1. Tests can be useful in evaluating students' current level of functioning, including children's relative strengths and weaknesses.
2. Test results can be used as important justification for the need for special programs.
3. Test scores can be helpful in evaluating the outcomes of entire programs or school districts by documenting changes in scores over time and differences among ethnic groups.
4. Test scores can be helpful indicators of likely future functioning.