How Are State Assessment Programs and People Using Item-PLD Alignment These Days?

Session Type: Coordinated Paper Session

Abstract

Abstract (for the programs, 200 words)
Measurement researchers, psychometricians, and item development leaders now recognize the importance of matching item response demands with knowledge and skill expectations in performance level descriptors (PLDs). While perhaps most important to test score interpretations and uses, item PLD alignment also is important for understanding and using PLDs for instructional planning, alignment of test items to test blueprints and content standards, test forms assembly, and standard setting. It's also relevant to defining item cognitive complexity. Item-PLD alignment also can reduce inequities for test takers whose exposure to state content standards is limited.

In this session, three experts in using item-PLD alignment for operational testing programs will describe their recent work in practical applications of item-PLD alignment. The discussant will comment on the papers and extend the work described in the session to research on and concepts of item cognitive complexity.

Sub Unit

• Individual Papers, Innovation Demonstrations, Coordinated Sessions, or Organized Discussions

Session Organizer

• Steve Ferrara, Cognia/Steve Ferrara

Individual Presentations

• The Expanding Uses of Item-to-Range-ALD Alignment - Christina Schneider, Cambium Assessment, Inc.

• Matching Items to PLDs and Annotating to Guide Instruction - Arthur Thacker, HumRRO; Andrea Sinclair, HumRRO

• Why and How to Use ALDs for Alignment - Ellen Forte, edCount, LLC; Melissa Fincher, EDCOUNT, LLC

Discussant

• Steve Ferrara, Cognia/Steve Ferrara