The Effect of Theta Distribution on Multistage Simulations

• In Event: Multistage Testing

Abstract

Increasingly, states are considering adaptive through-year assessments. Previous research has examined the effect of theta initialization on simulations when assuming an underlying Normal distribution of student ability. However, observed ability distributions are often non-Normal. This paper extends previous research to look at the effect of ability distribution on multistage simulations.

Authors

• Elizabeth Ayers-Wright, Cambium Assessment, Inc.

• Tao Jiang, Cambium Assessment, Inc

• Christina Schneider, Cambium Assessment, Inc.

• Hongwook Suh, Cambium Assessment, Inc.