IQ Testing Is Helpful
We applaud Judge Peckham’s decision to rescind the ban on IQ testing for black children (“Ban Voided on IQ Tests,” The Times, Sept. 3).
Although problems of racial bias exist in our society, individuals should not be denied an appropriate educational evaluation based upon the color of their skin. As experienced school psychologists and educators, we take issue with Armando Menocal’s simplification of psycho-educational assessment. His opinion demonstrates a gross lack of understanding of what this type of assessment involves.
Menocal’s comment that IQ tests are “cheaper and easier” is specious. Psycho-educational assessment is a multidisciplinary process involving school psychologists, general and special education teachers, communication specialists, sensorimotor specialists, health personnel and parents.
School psychologists evaluate a child’s developmental history, observe children in the classroom and on the playground, and use a variety of tests to analyze the various processes that affect learning. An IQ test is one of many that are chosen. IQ tests yield far more valuable information than Menocal is leading the public to believe. Used analytically and diagnostically they reveal a child’s strengths and weaknesses and the way she/he learns best.
ARLENE SYLVERS, Ph.D.
CAROL THORNE, M.A., LEP
SYLVIA VENTURINO, M.A.
RICHARD WISOTSKY, M.A., LEP
The Newhall School District
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