History and Impact of the American Psychological Association in Educational Testing

• In Event: Vice Presidential Invited Centennial Session. 100 Years of Educational Assessment: History and Influence of the AERA, American Psychological Association, National Council on Measurement in Education, and International Test Commission

Abstract

APA has a long and rich history of addressing psychological and educational testing across a wide range of settings and uses (e.g., clinical, counseling, forensic, organizational, credentialing, neuropsychological). APA also has a very complex and active governance structure with a standing committee dedicated to issues related to testing – the only committee with representation spanning all four of APA’ s major directorates (science, practice, public interest and education), as well as a dozen other committees and boards, as well as many of its divisions which all actively monitor and may potentially develop policy which can influence and impact the use of tests and assessments. This presentation will review the major activities undertaken by APA over its 100 plus year history of active involvement in testing, as well as the influence of such initiatives over time.

Author

• Wayne J. Camara, ACT, Inc.