Howard University and the Educational Testing Service: A History of Excellence and Impact

Introduction

Howard University, a distinguished institution with a rich history, has a multifaceted relationship with the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This article explores the history of Howard University, its academic achievements, and its connection to ETS, highlighting collaborations, scholarships, and the broader impact of both institutions on education and assessment.

Howard University: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university comprising 13 schools and colleges. It offers students the opportunity to pursue studies in over 120 areas, leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. With a commitment to "Excellence in Truth and Service," Howard has produced numerous scholars and leaders, including four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars, and 22 Pickering Fellows. Notably, Howard produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.

Academic Programs and Initiatives

Howard University provides a wide array of academic programs across its various schools and colleges. These programs are designed to foster intellectual growth, leadership skills, and a commitment to service. The university continually strives to enhance its academic offerings and provide students with opportunities for research, innovation, and global engagement.

Recent Achievements and Developments

Record-Breaking Research Funding: For three consecutive years, the College of Engineering has achieved record-breaking research funding from external sources, including over $207 million in FY24.
Faculty Recognition: Two faculty members from the College of Engineering were elected to the National Academy of Inventors 2025 class of fellows.
Enrollment Growth: In autumn 2024, the student headcount was 1,594 more than in autumn 2020. Graduate and professional student enrollment increased from 1,809 to 1,956, while the undergraduate population grew from 8,450 to 9,897.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS): Shaping Assessment and Research

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a non-profit organization that develops and administers standardized tests for K-12 and higher education, primarily in the United States. It also administers international tests such as the TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, and Praxis in over 180 countries and at more than 9,000 locations worldwide. ETS's assessments are often associated with entry to US tertiary and quaternary education institutions, and it also develops K-12 statewide assessments used for accountability testing in many states.

ETS's Research Contributions

ETS has a long history of contributing to research in measurement, education, statistics, educational evaluation, and psychology. Its research program has attracted many influential scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields. Some of the more influential scientists have been Harold Gulliksen, Frederic Lord, Samuel Messick, Robert Linn, Norman Frederiksen, Ledyard Tucker, Donald Rubin, Karl Jöreskog, Paul Holland, Howard Wainer, John Carroll, Michael Lewis, Irving Sigel, Herman Witkin, K. Patricia Cross, Samuel Ball, David Rosenhan, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, and Robert J. Sternberg.

ETS's Impact on Assessment

ETS has produced new knowledge and methodology, especially in measurement and statistics, much of which has been taken up by assessment organizations around the world. Its work has influenced the development and implementation of standardized tests, as well as the broader field of educational assessment.

Howard University and ETS: A Collaborative Relationship

Howard University and ETS have a collaborative relationship that includes scholarships, research, and other initiatives. This collaboration supports Howard University students and faculty while also contributing to ETS's mission of advancing quality and equity in education.

ETS Presidential Scholarship

The ETS Presidential Scholarship recognizes rising juniors and seniors at HBCUs who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and leadership potential. Each year, HBCU college presidents submit letters of recommendation for their school's nominees. In 2019, Howard University senior Carmen Crusoe was selected for the prestigious ETS Presidential Scholarship. Crusoe, pursuing undergraduate degrees in Africana Studies and political science, expressed her honor at being recognized for her hard work and commitment to academic excellence. The scholarship supports her senior year studies and career aspirations as a professor of Africana Studies.

ETS's Role in Higher Education Access

ETS plays a significant role in higher education access through its standardized tests, which are used by colleges and universities to evaluate applicants. While standardized tests have been the subject of debate regarding their fairness and accuracy, they remain a common tool in the admissions process. ETS also works to promote equity in testing through research and test development practices.

Howard University's Commitment to Student Success

Howard University is committed to student success, providing resources and support to help students achieve their academic and career goals. This commitment is reflected in the university's various programs and initiatives, including:

Dual Credit and Early Admissions Programs

Howard College/SWCID offers dual credit and early admission programs that allow high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. These programs provide students with an opportunity to get a head start on their college education and explore their academic interests.

Developmental Education Program

Howard College/SWCID has a Developmental Education Program designed to assist students in achieving the behaviors, skills, and academic goals necessary for success in college and beyond. The program assesses students' reading, writing, and math skills and provides them with the support they need to improve their skills and prepare for college-level coursework.

Academic Fresh Start

Texas residents may seek admission to any Texas public post-secondary institution based on the academic fresh start statute. Based on the statute, Howard College/SWCID applicants may request the college to disregard academic course credits or grades earned 10 or more years before the start of the semester for which they are seeking to enroll.

ETS's Initiatives for Diversity and Inclusion

ETS has taken steps to promote diversity and inclusion within its organization and in the field of education. These initiatives include:

BOLD BRG Recognition

In recognition of the theme “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Story,” ETS’s BOLD BRG recognizes the lives and impact of Black women who broke through the glass ceiling and overcame adversity to leave their mark on the American story.

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Support for HBCUs

ETS supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through scholarships, partnerships, and other initiatives. This support helps HBCUs continue their mission of providing quality education to African American students.

Challenges and Controversies Involving ETS

Over the years, ETS has faced challenges and controversies related to its testing practices and business operations. These include:

Test Security Concerns

In 1983, students of James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, California, achieved unexpectedly high exam results on the ETS Advanced Placement Exam. ETS implied that the students may have cheated to obtain such results based on common mistakes across different exams.

Ethical Concerns

Americans for Educational Testing Reform (AETR) claims that ETS is violating its non-profit status through excessive profits, executive compensation, and governing board member pay. AETR further claims that ETS is acting unethically by selling test preparation materials, directly lobbying legislators and government officials, and refusing to acknowledge test-taker rights.

Testing Issues in the UK

ETS Europe, a unit of the ETS Global for-profit subsidiary, was contracted to mark and process the National Curriculum assessments in England and Wales. The first year of ETS Global's operation was struck by a number of problems, including the late arrival of scripts to examiners, a database of student entries being unavailable, and countrywide reports of problems with the marking of the papers. The ETS contract with the QCA was terminated in August 2008.

Howard University Leadership

Howard University has had several leaders who have contributed to the university's growth and development.

Recent Appointments

Olga Osaghae was appointed as interim chief information officer and head of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). She will be responsible for all aspects of information technology and digital transformation for the University.

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