In this study, we proposed a multilevel explanatory Rasch model for examining measurement invariance of international food-insecurity measures on the Food Insecurity Experience (FIE) Scale from different countries. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization developed the FIE Scale to quantitatively measure the severity of food…

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the use of explanatory models based on Rasch measurement theory to detect systematic relationships between student and item characteristics and achievement differences using differential item functioning (DIF), differential group functioning (DGF), and differential person functioning (DPF) techniques. The…

To address whether or not modifications in test administration influence item functioning for students with disabilities on a high-stakes statewide problem-solving assessment, a sample of 868 students (with and without disabilities) from 74 Georgia schools were randomly assigned to one of three testing conditions (resource guide, calculator, or…

The major purpose of this study is to describe a conceptual framework for examining differential item functioning (DIF) and differential person functioning (DPF) as types of model-data misfit within the context of assessing students with disabilities. Specifically, DIF and DPF can be viewed through the lens of residual analyses. Residual analyses…

Whether judges on bias review committees can identify test items that function differently for blacks and whites was studied using items from teacher certification tests with 42 judges from 3 committees. Results indicate that agreement between judges and empirical indices are not more than would be expected by chance. (SLD)

A many-faceted Rasch model (FACETS) is presented for the measurement of writing ability. The FACETS model is a multivariate extension of Rasch measurement models that can be used to provide a framework for calibrating both raters and writing tasks within the context of writing assessment. A FACETS model is described based on the current procedures…

A method for obtaining curriculum-based estimates of student achievement is described. These estimates can be obtained through the use of a set of curriculum weights designed to reflect student opportunity to learn. If the match between the presented curriculum and test content is low, then the curriculum weights can be used to minimize potential…

Whether judges on bias review committees can identify test items that function differently for black and white examinees was studied. Judges (n=42) on three bias review committees were asked to examine a set of items and predict differential item functioning (DIF) without empirical data. Test items from teacher certification tests in the content…

The relationship between gender and performance on mathematics items varying in level of cognitive complexity and content was assessed, using 1,789 female and 1,951 male Thai adolescents and 2,040 female and 1,884 male American adolescents. Data suggest that performance relative to both cognitive complexity and content is related to gender. (TJH)

The agreement between Mantel-Haenszel and Rasch procedures for identifying differential item functioning (DIF) on teacher certification tests was studied. Two specific research questions were addressed: (1) whether the Mantel-Haenszel and Rasch procedures identify the same items as functioning differently; and (2) how consistently each method…