Comprehensive Assessment System Webinar #6 December 14, 2011

Session Topic: Validity & Reliability

Session Objectives The purpose of this session is to: 1)Define validity and reliability 2)Distinguish between valid and invalid inferences 3)Understand how to apply knowledge of validity and reliability to the selection and development of assessments

Defining Validity Validity refers to the accuracy of inferences drawn from an assessment. It is the degree to which the assessment measures what it is intended to measure.

Types of Validity Construct validity- the assessment actually measures what it is designed to measure. A actually is A

Types of Validity Concurrent validity- the assessment correlates with other assessments that measure the same construct. A correlates with B

Types of Validity Predictive validity- the assessment predicts performance on a future assessment. A predicts B

Valid Inferences Validity is closely tied to the purpose or use of an assessment. DON’T ASK: “Is this assessment valid?” ASK: “Are the inferences I’m making based on this assessment valid for my purpose?”

Evidence-Centered Design Validity is about providing strong evidence Evidence-centered design boosts validity – What do you want to know? – How would you know? – What should the assessment look like?

Defining Reliability Reliability refers to consistency and repeatability. A reliable assessment provides a consistent picture of what students know, understand, and are able to do.

Remember! An assessment that is highly reliable is not necessarily valid. However, for an assessment to be valid, it must also be reliable.

Purchasing & Developing Assessments If necessary, consider commercial assessments or create a new assessment What assessments do you already have that purport to measure this? What are you trying to measure? PurposeReviewPurchaseDevelop

Considerations Using what you have – Is it carefully aligned to your purpose? Purchasing a new assessment – Is it carefully matched to your purpose? – Do you have the funds (for assessment, equipment, training)? Developing a new assessment – Do you have the in-house content knowledge? – Do you have the in-house assessment knowledge? – Does your team have time for development? – Does your team have the knowledge and time needed for proper scoring?

Improving Validity & Reliability Ensure questions are based on taught curricula Ensure questions are based on standards Allow students to demonstrate knowledge/skills in multiple ways Ensure a variety of item types (multiple-choice, constructed response) Ask questions at varying Depth of Knowledge levels Ensure accurate test administration Include items that address the full range of standards Include multiple items that assess the same standard Review scorer reliability, when necessary

V&R : Student Learning Objectives What makes high-quality evidence for SLOs: Aligned to the content standards (construct validity) Being used for the purpose for which it was designed Administered properly

Ex. SLO Objective: Students will demonstrate grade- level proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking French, including the accurate use of past and present tenses. How would you know if students were proficient in reading, writing, and speaking French?

Ex. SLO Evidence: 1. Written final exam measuring reading comprehension, vocabulary, conjugation/agreement in past and present tenses word written composition in French, using past and present tense in a familiar content theme minute conversation on one of 3 pre-selected topics, using past and present tense.

Ex. SLO Administration & Scoring The exam and composition will be part of the written final, administered during the final exam period. – I will score the compositions using the Foreign Language Department level 2 writing rubric, which includes vocabulary, tense, subject-verb agreement, spelling, level of detail, etc. – Approximately 20% of the compositions will also be double-scored by the other French teacher. The oral assessment will be administered one-on-one in the last week of school, prior to the exam period. I will develop the rubric with the other French teacher and have it approved by the Department Chair. I will administer and score most oral exams myself, though I will schedule my Department Chair to sit in on and double-score the first 20%.

Questions?

Upcoming Webinars January 11 th 9:30-10:30 Cultural & Linguistic Demands of Assessment