An accurate assessment of cognitive abilities in populations that differ from the majority in cultural and linguistic characteristics is one of the main challenges in cognitive testing. Previously developed methods for assessment of the validity of cognitive scores in individuals with diverse backgrounds, such as the Culture-Language…

In many countries, standardized math tests are important for achieving academic success. Here, we examine whether content of items, the story that explains a mathematical question, biases performance of low-SES students. In a large-scale cohort study of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS)--including data from 58…

This study investigated potential item bias in a large-scale grade 3 reading achievement test, specifically against culturally diverse students with limited familiarity with mainstream Canadian culture. Students were classified based on their first language and length of residence in Canada, which was used as a proxy for cultural familiarity. A…

The operationalization of school climate is inconsistent, adding to an unwieldy existing body of climate instruments, bringing into question measurement validity concerns. Further, there is minimal literature regarding if comparisons can be made between different school sectors (i.e., public, private, charter). We seek to understand if a commonly…

School-based universal screening in the social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) domains allows for the early identification of students in need of SEB support. Importantly, equitable assessment in universal screening for the SEB domains is critical to engage in accurate and ethical data-based decision-making. Measurement invariance is one method…

This study aims to apply the differential item functioning (DIF) technique with the deterministic inputs, noisy "and" gate (DINA) model to validate the mathematics construct and diagnostic attribute profiles across American and Singaporean students. Even with the same ability level, every single item is expected to show uniform DIF…

Symptoms of inattention (IA), hyperactivity, and impulsivity present in school-aged children are important indications of developmental problems. The assessment of these symptoms largely relies on questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, and the children themselves. However, inherent perceptual biases may lead to inaccuracies in these…

Purpose: Several studies have demonstrated that dynamic assessment can be a less biased, valid approach for the identification of language disorder among diverse school-age children. However, all prior studies have included a relatively small number of participants, which is generally not adequate for psychometric research. This is the first…

Many schools now screen students for dyslexia in early grades. However, there are valid concerns that these screeners may be biased or ineffective at screening students who are not yet proficient in English (i.e., English Learners; ELs). The present study examined the performance of 54 first graders on a dyslexia screener. Results showed that…

An examination of gender-related differential item functioning was conducted on the verbal subtests of the Anadolu-Sak Intelligence Scale. Analyses were conducted using the scale standardization data (N = 4641). A Mantel-Haenszel statistic was used to detect differential item functioning (DIF). A total of 58 verbal analogical reasoning items, 20…

By design, randomized experiments (XPs) rule out bias from confounded selection of participants into conditions. Quasi-experiments (QEs) are often considered second-best because they do not share this benefit. However, when results from XPs are used to generalize causal impacts, the benefit from unconfounded selection into conditions may be offset…

This study used item response theory (IRT) methods to investigate group differences in responses to the 12-item Student Risk Screening Scale--Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE12) in a sample of 3,837 U.S. elementary school students. Using factor analysis and graded response models from IRT methods, we examined the factor structure and the…

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of DIF over the gender variable with the latent class modeling approach. The data were collected from 953 students who participated in the PISA 2018 8th-grade financial literacy assessment in the USA. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) approach was used to identify the latent classes, and the data fit…

Technologies that enable individualization for students have significant potential in special education. Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) refers to digital assessments that automatically adjust their difficulty level based on students' abilities, allowing for personalized, efficient, and accurate measurement. This article examines whether CAT…

Background: Inequality along racial and economic dimensions is well-documented and widespread in educational contexts. Achievement gaps are observed among children as early as primary school and are especially notable in standardized testing (Fryer & Levitt, 2004; Fryer & Levitt, 2013; Bond & Lang 2013). In response, some observers and…