Tests and Measurements
Assessment Instructions
Preparation
Gathering information about and evaluating the remaining elements of the Code will require additional searches in the Capella library (including MMY), as well as other resources (such as test publisher websites). A search for relevant articles may include a keyword search within each review or research article. It may be helpful to do keyword searches within those documents with the following words: format, fair, fairness, bias, appropriate, accommodations, modifications, and computer or computer-assisted. Subsequently, this particular assessment requires a deeper search and provides a broader range of sources to fulfill the minimum references. In almost all cases, you will be able to locate some level of information on these elements.
If you are struggling with locating sufficient information about a particular test in regard to an element in this assessment, then you will need to cite the references or reviews involved in your search and identify this element as problematic for your selected test, as it lacks sufficient documentation in the literature for this code or standard.
Important: You are not required to submit a copy of your test to complete this assessment.
Instructions
So far, you have been learning about test utility, test development, item analysis, and using tests in a variety of settings and with a variety of test takers. In this assessment, you will apply those concepts to your selected test for the Code’s sixth, seventh, and eighth elements. The Code (2004) states that test users, “(6) evaluate representative samples of test questions or practice tests, directions, answer sheets, manuals, and score reports before selecting a test; (7) evaluate procedures and materials used by the test developers, as well as the resulting test, to ensure that potentially offensive content or language is avoided; and (8) select tests with appropriately modified forms or administration procedures for test takes with disabilities who need special accommodations.”
For this assessment, locate a minimum of five resources (a minimum three peer-reviewed journal articles) pertaining to your test’s construction, item development, procedures utilized in construction to minimize offensive content, and provisions of modifications and accommodations for test takers. You will not be required or need to have a copy of your test to complete this assignment. You may use many different types of references and sources to obtain this information about your test. These references may include journal articles, literature reviews, MMY reviews, and publisher websites.
Information gathering and evaluation of these elements may require a keyword search within each relevant review and research article. It may be helpful to do keyword searches within those documents with the following words: format, fair, fairness, bias, appropriate, accommodations, modifications, and computer or computer assisted. Subsequently, this particular assignment requires a deeper search and provides a broader range of sources to fulfill the minimum references. In almost all cases, you will be able to locate some level of information on these elements.
For some newer test editions, literature may be scarce. Refer back to the Lists of Tests by Type document to see which tests are approved for supplementation with articles that address earlier editions of the tests. If the “Combined Review Allowed” column is marked “Yes,” you can supplement your review with articles addressing the designated prior version of the test.
Note:
In future courses, you may use the Capella library’s Interlibrary Loan service to obtain articles outside of the collection, but you should not have to use the service for this course. If you are struggling with locating sufficient information about a particular test in regard to an element in this assignment, then you will need to cite the references or reviews involved in your search and identify this element as problematic for your selected test as it lacks sufficient documentation in the literature for this code or standard.
Note:
Use the Assessment 3 Template: Evaluation of Test Materials and Procedures Research, linked in the Required Resources, to complete this assessment. The template specifies the content that must be included to complete this assessment.
Introduction
Identify the test selected in Assessment 2 and its stated purpose.
Test Items and Format
• Identify the format of the items, the test, and types of score. Evaluate aspects of the test and summarize the quality and appropriateness of the test.
• Evaluate a test’s sample items, practice tests, directions, answer sheets, manuals, and score reports for appropriateness and for the intended purpose of the instrument.
Fair and Appropriate Materials
Complete the following:
• Identify or cite positive and negative aspects of test materials that minimize potentially offensive content or language.
• Analyze a test’s use or availability of modified forms or administration procedures for test takers with disabilities who need special accommodations for appropriateness and for the intended purpose of the instrument.
• Evaluate one AERA standard for Supporting Documentation for Tests that is implicated in either the positive or the negative aspects of the selected test.
Use of Technology
• Analyze how advances in technology have been used to address issues of test items, procedures, and appropriate and fair usage.
Synthesis of Findings
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of test items and materials.
References
• Provide an APA style reference section.
Additional Requirements
Your assessment should meet the following requirements:
• Written communication: Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and APA format and style.
• Length: The summary on Elements 6, 7, and 8 must be at least five double-spaced pages in length. These pages do not include the title page or References.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Reference
Joint Committee on Testing Practices. (2004). Code of fair testing practices in education. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/fair-testing.pdf
