Historical Background of Testing, Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation

Forms of Examination Before 1800

• Oral examinations and apprenticeships were used to assess skills and knowledge before 1800.

Ancient Civilizations

• In 220 B.C., China utilized written examinations to select public officials.
• The Roman educator, Quintilian, advocated observing differences in ability and aptitude of individuals.

Early Use of Tests in Schools

• The first tests in schools were used in the University of Bologna by 1219 A.D.

Introduction of Written Examinations

• In 1845, Horace Mann introduced the written examination to Boston schools.

Defense of Theses

• In the 12th century, candidates for higher education defended their theses in Paris.

Pioneers in Educational Measurement

• Ralph W. Tyler is regarded as the Father of Educational Measurement.
• In 1916, the first standardized achievement test in arithmetic reasoning was published.

Extension of Achievement Testing

• Edward L. Thorndike was responsible for the extension of achievement testing to the more intangible outcomes of instruction.

Questionnaire Method and Eugenics

• Francis Galton originated the questionnaire method and the theory of eugenics.

Intelligence Testing

• J.M. Cattell contributed to intelligence testing by introducing the concept of mental tests.

Objective Measures of Achievement

• Edward L. Thorndike devised and used the first objective measures of achievement.

Thorndike Handwriting Scale

• In 1909, Edward L. Thorndike constructed the Thorndike Handwriting Scale.

Individual Intelligence Test

• In 1905, Alfred Binet devised the first individual intelligence test.

Norms and Standards

• Edward L. Thorndike was responsible for originating the concept of norms and standards in educational measurement.

Test Adaptation

• In 1924, Truman L. Kelley published the pioneer book dealing with test adaptation.