Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is an increasingly common mode of test administration offering improved test security, better measurement precision, and the potential for shorter testing experiences. This article presents a new item selection algorithm based on a generalized objective function to support multiple types of testing conditions and…

This article describes the 2022 "ITC/ATP Guidelines for Technology-Based Assessment" (TBA), a collaborative effort by the International Test Commission (ITC) and the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) to address digital assessment challenges. Developed by over 100 global experts, these "Guidelines" emphasize fairness,…

The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), based in the North of England, recently celebrated its 40th birthday. Arising from an evaluation project at Newcastle University, and a subsequent move to Durham University, it rapidly grew in scope and influence, developing a series of highly regarded school assessments. For a relatively small…

There is a wide array of accessibility features (e.g., universal features, designated supports, accommodations) which enable students who need them to better access assessments. Historically, however, there has been wide variation in the language used to describe these supports. For example, the accessibility policies of different states use…

ETS experts are exploring and defining the standards for responsible AI use in assessments. A comprehensive framework and principles will be unveiled in the coming months. In the meantime, this document outlines the critical areas these standards will encompass, including the principles of: (1) Fairness and bias mitigation; (2) Privacy and…

Partially automated assessment is implemented via the 'Printable worksheet' mode in the Numbas e-assessment system to create a mathematical modelling worksheet which is individualised with random parameters but completed and marked as if it were a non-automated piece of coursework, preserving validity while reducing the risk of academic misconduct…

Recent years have produced a surge in interest in improving state assessment programs. Many states are designing new assessments. Much of this innovation is aimed at addressing longstanding areas of unhappiness with typical domain-sampled, end-of-year state assessments: States want to streamline assessment activities, enhance the instructional…

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires state education agencies to establish and implement standardized, statewide entrance and exit procedures for English learners (ELs). WIDA provides the English language proficiency placement and annual assessments administered in…

Summative assessments measure students' mastery of grade-level academic standards and skills in specific content areas after learning. State summative assessment systems provide students and families, school and district leaders, and state policymakers with valuable data to help understand student progress and school quality. This Policy Guide…

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by Section 3113 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires state educational agencies (SEAs) to establish and implement standardized, statewide entrance and exit procedures for English learners (ELs). WIDA provides the English language proficiency placement and annual…

ACT announced a series of enhancements designed to modernize the ACT test and offer students more choice and flexibility in demonstrating their readiness for life after high school. The enhancements provide students more flexibility by allowing them to choose whether to take the science assessment, thereby reducing the test length by up to…

Many students of statistics and econometrics express frustration with the way a problem known as "bad control" is treated in the traditional literature. The issue arises when the addition of a variable to a regression equation produces an unintended discrepancy between the regression coefficient and the effect that the coefficient is…

Although school psychologists often comment on examinee motivation in their reports, systematic evaluation of effort is not common practice. Empirical assessment of performance effort provides critical evidence for the validity of evaluations and will likely lead to more valid assessments, recommendations, and placements. This article focuses on…

Current methods for evaluating faculty teaching fall short, and one way to address this is through campus-wide initiatives that focus on change at the level of academic units. The complex context of higher education makes meaningful teaching evaluation difficult; in particular, four sobering realities of this context must be taken into account in…

This memorandum provides information on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) course enrollment, exam participation, and exam performance during the 2023-2024 school year. During the 2023-2024 school year, 136 AP or IB courses were offered across high schools. Among the 25 comprehensive high schools, all offered AP courses,…