We explored the practicality of relatively small item pools in the context of low-stakes Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT), such as CAT procedures that might be used for quick diagnostic or screening exams. We used a basic CAT algorithm without content balancing and exposure control restrictions to reflect low stakes testing scenarios. We examined…

The standard error (SE) stopping rule, which terminates a computer adaptive test (CAT) when the "SE" is less than a threshold, is effective when there are informative questions for all trait levels. However, in domains such as patient-reported outcomes, the items in a bank might all target one end of the trait continuum (e.g., negative…

Out-of-level testing refers to the practice of assessing a student with a test that is intended for students at a higher or lower grade level. Although the appropriateness of out-of-level testing for accountability purposes has been questioned by educators and policymakers, incorporating out-of-level items in formative assessments for accurate…