This assignment is a culmination of the previous assignments you have completed
during this course. In this assignment, you will synthesize your previous research as
well as conduct research on the final element in the Code, Element 9. Element 9
states that a test user, "evaluate(s) the available evidence on the performance of
test takers of diverse subgroups . . . determine(s) to the extent feasible which
performance differences may have been caused by factors unrelated to the skills
being assessed." Together, the previous course assignments and this current one
involving Element 9 will provide you with the data, research, and literature reviews
across all nine elements of the Code to assist your decision-making process about the
appropriate selection of a test.
For this final assignment:
Locate reviews or research related to how Element 9 applies to your selected test. If
the research or reviews do not address this element in any way, then you will need to
cite the references your reviewed and note that they were lacking in in addressing this
element, drawing appropriate conclusions for when a test is lacking such evidence.
Synthesize all of the data and information you gathered on your selected test
throughout the course and identify highlights, both positive and negative, both
advantages and disadvantages, according to all nine elements of the Code.
Evaluate your selected test based on these data and draw a conclusion about whether
or not it is a test that you would select, recommend, or even defend, if necessary in
practice. Note: You should not merely copy and paste your earlier assignments for the
final paper. Instead you will be synthesizing the research you completed for each
element into a summary of that element that you will offer in support of your final
evaluation. (For example, note that the technical quality element (that is, Element 5) will
be only a synthesis and evaluation and not a repeat of the annotated bibliography you
completed in Unit 5.)
Identify the strengths or weaknesses for each element, and determine if the
information about that element supports (or opposes) the use of your selected test
in the field and population to be served.
Incorporate recommendations about ways to improve the selected test.
Review all of your evaluations for each element and recommended
improvements to the test, and write an overall evaluation and determination about
the use of your selected test. Would you recommend this test to a school district or
business that you are employed as a consultant? Would you be able to defend the
use of this test in a court proceeding?
Organize your paper using the following headings:
1.
Title page (required) (one page).
2.
Abstract (required) (one page).
3.
The Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education (a minimum of four pages). (For each
element, identify strengths and weaknesses, evaluate the selected test for the element,
and make recommendations, if any for improvement, citing appropriate standards of
practice.)
Element 1. Purpose: Define the purpose for testing, the content, and skills
tested (see Unit 2 assignment).
Element 2. Appropriateness: Evaluate appropriateness of test content, skills
tested, and content covered (see Unit 2 assignment).
Element 3. Materials: Evaluate materials for which clear, accurate, and
complete information is provided (see Unit 2 assignment).
Element 4. Training: Test users have appropriate knowledge, skills, and training
(see Unit 2 assignment).
Element 5. Technical Quality:
Synthesis of evidence of reliability (see Unit 5 assignment).
Synthesis of evidence of validity (see Unit 5 assignment).
Element 6. Test Items and Format: Evaluate test items, test format, directions,
manuals and scores (see Unit 7 assignment).
Element 7. Test Procedures and Materials: Evaluate test procedures and
materials to ensure that potentially offensive content or language is avoided (see
Unit 7 assignment).
Element 8. Modifications and Accommodations: Evaluate if tests provide
appropriately modified forms or procedures for test takers with disabilities (see
Unit 7 assignment).
Element 9. Group Differences: Evaluate evidence on performance of test takers
of diverse subgroups.
4.
5.
Summary (two pages).
Overall recommendation to use the selected test in the field and with populations to be
served.
If recommending the use of the selected test, identify the greatest strengths
you discovered and determined in its use. Additionally, identify any limitations or
concerns that may still exist with its use regardless of the recommendation. Are
there still concerns for the test in certain situations?
If not recommending the use of the selected test, identify the greatest
weaknesses you discovered and determined in its use. Additionally, identify any
strengths that may still exist with its use regardless of the opposition. Are there
still uses for the test within set parameters?
6.
References (required, use current APA format and style).
Submit your draft to Turnitin prior to uploading it to the assignment area.
Additional Requirements
Your paper should meet the following requirements:
References: A minimum of nine references. These may include journal articles,
literature reviews, Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) reviews, and publisher Web
sites. At least five of the nine references must be from professional journals. It is likely
and appropriate that many of these references and citations were included in one or
more of your previous assignments. Alternatively, you may want to supplement your
paper with current, peer-viewed journal articles you located after completing an earlier
assignment. Those inclusions would also be acceptable.
Length of paper: At least six pages (not including title page, abstract, or references).
Reference
Joint Committee on Testing Practices. (2004). Code of fair testing practices in
education. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/fairtesting.pdf
