unit 4

Week4handoutAssemblingtheTest.docx

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

· 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