Exploring Teachers’ Understanding of Graphical Representations of Group Performance

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Diverse Topics in Psychometrics and Educational Measurement

Abstract

Research on score reports indicates that teachers, policymakers and students have trouble understanding the terminology and graphical displays used to communicate assessment results. Several strategies have been employed to address this problem, including: taking into account the characteristics of the target audience when designing score reports; evaluating score reports with experts and the intended audience; and educating the intended audience on graphical representations and educational assessment issues. Our research focuses on designing and evaluating score reports that effectively communicate assessment information to the intended audiences. We report on the results of a usability study and a pilot study aimed at exploring the effectiveness of three graphical representations at communicating group performance results (distribution of scores) to teachers.

Authors

• Diego Zapata-Rivera, Educational Testing Service

• Waverely VanWinkle, Educational Testing Service

• Margaret Vezzu, ETS