Blog 6

Tinsley and Bradley (1986) opened up the article with stating that, “It has been argued that tests contribute little to the counseling process.  One possible explanation may be that counselor training has focused on technical aspects of testing and has not emphasized higher level application skills” (pg 462).  This statement makes me question how much counselors are involved in the testing procedures.  In talking to my school counselor I gathered that the role of administering and interpreting test was in the hands of the school psychologists.  Next, there were two principles that were presented that I felt were important.  The testing is not a discrete activity but yet ongoing in the counseling process.  In addition, another important factor that was presented is that it is vital to remember that the clients are people and not a set of test scores.  The second principle was to think of the tests as interviews that enable you to gather information about them.  Assessments can be used as valuable tools if done correctly.  One important factor to keep in mind that was discussed was that the points are not exactly accurate and clients need to be aware of that.  They need to be knowledgeable that there is an error of measurement that needs to be accounted for.    

The article then presents the four aspects of testing, which are counselor and client preparation, delivery, and the follow up.  In order for this to be successful and reliable you need to be knowledgeable of each component.  Even though I am aware that it is different it reminds me of the upcoming PSSA tests.  Yesterday, we needed to sit through an hour training, listen to an hour tutorial, and answer ten questions.  By the conclusion of this we needed to pass with an 80% to be certified to administer this test.  It is crucial that every member that will be involved in the testing is properly trained so that the students achieve the best and are provided with organized, comfortable, and quiet environments.  As counselors need to become familiar with the tests as well as the regulations and procedures before, during, and after testing.  Also, with encouragement, we are promoting confidence that they can be successful just as when interpreting results, you do so which allows encouragement.         

In conclusion, I found this article to focus on the importance of test interpretation because we need to be aware that if done incorrectly could affect the client in a significant way.  We want to be accurate in the information we are relying to them as well as providing them with reliable and valid information.

Tinsley, H. & Bradley, R.W. (1986). Test Interpretation. Journal of Counseling and Development, 64, 462-466.