Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis to Evaluate the Massachusetts Candidate Assessment of Performance

• In Event: Issues in Teacher Knowledge, Testing, and Licensure

Abstract

In this paper the dimensional structure of the Massachusetts Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) is evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Three models - a single factor model (unidimensional), a six-factor model, and a bifactor model - are compared in order to answer the following research questions: (1) Does the CAP summative assessment measure each domain to a degree that would allow for reporting scores for each sub-domain? (2) Is there evidence in the data that supports the use of sub-domain scores as a criterion for licensing teacher candidates.

Author

• Gabriel Rodriguez, University of Massachusetts - Amherst