Application of a Validity Evidence Framework for Evaluating Alignment Studies of Standard and Alternative Forms of State Assessments

• In Event: 31.091 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-9 - Accountability: Issues of Measurement and Model Quality

Abstract

Federal requirements for states to verify the alignment between their content standards and assessments contributed to the emergence of a range of alignment methodologies and increased alignment research. Even though test alignment is an essential component of quality assessment programs, commonly understood or accepted sources of validity evidence for studies of alignment have yet to become widely recognized. This paper examines a series of alignment studies according to the validity evidence framework put forth by Davis-Becker and Buckendahl (2013). The results suggest that an adapted Webb-based model design provides for strong procedural, internal, external, and utility validity evidence, which in turn can effectively inform the use and interpretation of alignment study findings.

Authors

• Lisa M. Abrams, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Divya Varier, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Clay Aschliman, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Jesse Senechal, Virginia Commonwealth University