Building and Improving the Validity Argument for a Large-Scale Alternate Science Assessment

• In Event: Topics in Test Validity: Theory and Practice

Abstract

Establishing the validity argument for large scale testing programs involves collecting, analyzing, evaluating and interpreting multiple forms of evidence over an extended period of time. Validity arguments involve an evaluation of the appropriateness of the proposed uses or interpretations of test scores. This paper examines the validity argument for the science portion of a large scale alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). The study presents the proposed uses of the assessment scores, describes various sources of evidence that have been collected through the assessment program, and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence in the context of establishing the validity argument, and informing programs and practice.

Authors

• Mary A. Hansen, Robert Morris University

• Peter W. Heh, University of Pittsburgh

• Steven R. Lyon, University of Pittsburgh

• Naomi K. Zigmond, University of Pittsburgh