Differentiated Performance on a High-Stakes Test: An Issue of Opportunity to Learn in Turkey

• In Event: Special Topics in Large-Scale Assessment: Large Scale Assessment SIG

Abstract

This study will analyze whether the items on a Nationwide English Language College Entrance Exam in Turkey evidence differential functioning and the potential for bias favoring certain groups of students over others attending different types of schools.

This language test is given once a year and is required to be admitted to certain type of programs, such as Teaching English as a Second Language; Western Languages and Literature; and Translation and Interpreting Services. One of the purposes of this study was to determine whether regional differences affect student’s success on the exam, with success being a function of the test performance. Another purpose of this study was to determine whether the type of school that students attend affects their success.

Authors

• Nedim Yel, Arizona State University

• Sultan Turkan, ETS