Learning about the Past to Leave It Behind: Eugenics & Norm-Referenced Educational & Psychological Testing
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| Title: | Learning about the Past to Leave It Behind: Eugenics & Norm-Referenced Educational & Psychological Testing |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Benjamin Brumley, Lauren Brumley, Dana Morrison |
| Source: | Critical Questions in Education. 2026 17(1):40-56. |
| Availability: | Academy for Educational Studies. 2419 Berkeley Street, Springfield, MO 65804. Tel: 417-299-1560; e-mail: cqieeditors@gmail.com; Web site: http://academyforeducationalstudies.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Norm Referenced Tests, Educational Testing, Psychological Testing, Racism, Standardized Tests, Preservice Teacher Education, Intelligence Tests, Test Bias, Civil Rights, African Americans, Disabilities, Court Litigation, Resistance (Psychology), College Entrance Examinations, History |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: | Larry P v Riles, Brown v Board of Education |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, SAT (College Admission Test) |
| ISSN: | 2327-3607 |
| Abstract: | Over the past century, standardized educational testing has become deeply embedded in practice, policy, and teacher preparation in the United States. Institutions, most notably the Educational Testing Service, have been influential in shaping and promoting these practices. Yet the origins of standardized, norm-referenced educational and psychological tests are closely tied to early 20th-century eugenics and scientific racism. Although these practices have been challenged and critiqued for more than a hundred years, teacher educators are still expected to learn and use them. This article traces the historical development of standardized testing, highlights long-standing critiques of norm-referenced measurement, and concludes with recommendations for preparing future teacher educators to understand the historical influence of eugenics on the field. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494260 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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