unit 4
Assembling the Test
1. Double-check all individual test items
2. Double-check the items as a set
· Directly target the identified standards?
· Enough items for desired interpretations?
· Difficulty level appropriate?
· Items non-overlapping so don’t give clues?
3. Arrange items appropriately, which usually means:
· Keep all items of one type together
· Put lowest-level item types first (T/F, matching, short-answer, MC, Constructed Response)
· Administer time-consuming extended-response essays and performance-based tasks separately
· Why put items of a type together? Clearer and more efficient.
4. Prepare directions
· How to allot time
· How to respond (pick best alternative, etc.)
· How and where to record answers (circle, etc.; same vs. separate page)
· How guessing will be treated (or whether to answer all questions)
· How extended essays will be evaluated (accuracy, organization, etc.)
5. Reproduce the test
· Leave ample white space on every page
· List multiple choice options vertically
· Keep all parts of an item on the same page
· The introduction to an interpretive item may be on a facing page
· When not using a separate answer sheet, provide spaces for answering down one side of the page (preferable the left)
· Number items consecutively
· Proofread