Biased Tests Contribute to Student Gender Gap

“The Message Behind the Gender Gap in Computer Training” (April 28) is thought-provoking. I object, however, to the characterization of a standardized test as an accurate measure of a young woman’s knowledge in math or any other subject.

Females outpace males in both high school and college subjects, including math. Girls’ scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, however, consistently lag behind those of boys. Research indicates that this is because of the standardized format of the test, caused by gender-based differences in how we approach problem-solving.

Acknowledging biases inherent in standardized tests, respected colleges like Vermont’s Middlebury College and Franklin and Marshall, in Lancaster, Pa., de-emphasize the importance of those scores. Even some graduate schools, most notably Harvard’s Business and Divinity Schools, no longer require the Graduate Record Exam and Graduate Management Admissions Test.

Studies show a bias in standardized tests against blacks, Latinos and Native Americans of both sexes, as well. The time has come for colleges to discard tests of questionable reliability and judge students on aptitude, ability and the unique experiences each brings to the learning environment.

JULIET D. FISHER

Los Angeles