Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What was initially ruled about IQ tests in the Larry P. v. Wilson Riles case?

1. They were valid measures of intelligence.

2. They were deemed culturally fair.

3. They were racially biased against African American children.

4. They needed revision to include more diverse populations.

The correct answer is: They were racially biased against African American children.

In the case of Larry P. v. Wilson Riles, the court initially ruled that IQ tests were racially biased against African American children. This decision stemmed from evidence presented during the trial that demonstrated these tests did not accurately reflect the intelligence of children from different cultural backgrounds, particularly African American students. The court recognized that the tests disproportionately placed these children in special education classes, which raised concerns about fairness and the validity of the tests as a measure of intelligence. The ruling emphasized the necessity for educational assessments to be non-discriminatory and culturally appropriate, highlighting the importance of considering the diverse backgrounds of students when evaluating their capabilities. Acknowledging that standardized tests often failed to accommodate the cultural context of African American children was crucial in advocating for more equitable educational practices and assessments.