The results of an international survey of test use in 44 countries are reported. Data are presented and discussed for six groupings: highly industrialised, less industrialised Western, developing Third World, socialist, Middle East, and least developed nations. A total of 740 tests were identified. A number of similarities exist among the six groupings in their test use. Intelligence tests are most commonly used followed by personality and achievement tests. Important differences also exist. For example, the developing Third World and Middle East nations use more group than individually administered tests and fewer achievement tests. Many tests lack reliability and validity studies and norms. Additional tests are needed to assess achievement, intelligence, social development, personality, and vocational interests and aptitudes. Tests are especially needed for children and youth who are learning disabled, mentally retarded, and slow learners. Problems created by these conditions and implications of the frequent use of foreign developed tests are discussed.
Utilizing information obtained through an international survey and existing literature, patterns in the practices, research, and preparation of professionals who deliver psychoeducational services to children and youth in six Oriental countries (i.e., China, Hong Kong(1), Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand) are described. Services are provided by many professional groups. While few formal programs exist for the preparation of psychologists to work in schools, those providing such services have at least a bachelor's degree. Services commonly provided include assessment, vocational and educational guidance, counseling, parent education, and teaching. School psychological services generally are not governed by legislation or professional standards. Research tends to be applied and directed toward the construction and translations of tests and toward the needs of the mentally retarded, learning disabled, and behaviorally disordered. Ten major problems creating barriers for the delivery of psychoeducational services are identified. Three suggestions to help resolve these problems are offered.
The characteristics of professional groups who use tests in 44 countries are reviewed. Sixteen professional groups were identified. Those most likely to employ tests include school or educational psychologists, teachers, counselors, and clinical and general psychologists. Also, school or educational psychologists are most likely to use all of the 10 common types of tests (e.g., intelligence, personality, achievement). Psychologists are more likely to use foreign-developed tests, while teachers are more likely to use tests developed in their own country. The services provided by most professional groups are thought by the respondents to be adequate to superior. Most professionals learn tests through coursework. The mean years of post-secondary education among all professional groups is 5; professionals who use individually administered measures tend to have more education than those who use group tests. The correlation between perceived adequacy in test use and years of post-secondary education is significant. Implications for the uses of tests by professionals are discussed.
The development and current status of special education in South Korea are described and contrasted to that of the United States. South Korean special education was initiated in the 1890s by U.S. missionaries. Later, Japanese influence was considerable, especially on its regular educational programs. Special programs are available for five classifications of disabilities. Its major national special education legislation contains numerous provisions similar to P.L. 94-142. However, various conditions may impede the further development of services, including a high teacher-pupil ratio, the reliance on self-contained programs, negative attitudes toward people with disabilities, and lack of advocacy groups. Further initiatives require considerable research and policy debate among South Koreans.
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