Fells Seeking Extensive Revisions of CEEB Test

A complete revision of the present series of College Entrance Board examinations was proposed at the Board's spring meeting in New York City, it was learned last night.

William C. Fells, Assistant Director of the Board, sought radical rescheduling of the present aptitude and achievement tests and the introduction of a third type of examination, a developed ability test.

The developed ability series is designed to give students a chance to show the breadth of their knowledge by combining basic features of the achievement and aptitude examinations.

The new tests would resemble the aptitudes which demand proficiency in the use of vocabulary and reading comprehension. They would also cover definite fields, as do the achievement exercises. Thus far, Fells has proposed developed ability test only in the humanities, and the natural and social sciences.

Revised Schedule

To get maximum value from the new tests Fells also asked the Board to change the existing exam schedule so that the present aptitude tests, now given half way through the senior year, be given in the fall of a student's junior year. The developed ability exams would then be given in the fall of the senior year.

"Since the aptitudes only indicate one's capacity to learn, we want to follow them with the developed ability tests in the fall of the next year to see how people have used the intelligence they have," Fells explained. "Under this plan, admission to college would be based on these two tests and the applicant's previous record.

Placement Tests

Then, in the late spring of the senior year after most colleges have notified their applicants of admission or rejection, Fells would have the Board give the achievement and advanced placement tests. These would be used solely to place students in courses. They would also conclude the sequence with a precise reckoning of ability in specialized subjects. "The tests should make it easier for colleges to place freshmen accurately in their various courses," Fells said.