COUNTERBALANCE ASSESSMENT: THE CHORIZO TEST

Just like all the high-stakes tests that determine students' futures nowadays, The Chorizo Test is a standardized test rooted in the culture of the test makers. It was originally created to be used with students in teacher training programs to sensitize them to the pitfalls inherent in standardized pencil-and-paper tests, such as linguistic bias and cultural stereotyping. The test does not purport to avoid bias--or even to be fair. Instead, it is designed to be a counterbalance to the widely used standardized group tests administered in public schools. However, it might have broader applications in the social sciences. (Contains a list of recommended readings.)