Assumptions and Interpretations of the SOMPA in Estimating Learning Potential

Public Law 94–142 mandates that the assessment of handicapped students not be racially or culturally biased. A recent attempt to create a system of nondiscriminatory evaluation is the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA). Some constructs and aspects of this system, however, are highly controversial. This article focuses on one such construct, the Estimated Learning Potential (ELP). Implications for counselors' interpretation are discussed.