Precision Assessment and Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student consistently scores 72% on a math test, regardless of when it is taken. This demonstrates:
- High validity
- High reliability (Correct answer)
- Low inter-rater reliability
- High predictive validity
Correct answer: High reliability
Reliability refers to the consistency of scores across repeated administrations; consistent results indicate a reliable instrument.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a norm-referenced test?
- It measures mastery of specific learning objectives
- It compares a student's performance to that of a peer group (Correct answer)
- It tracks individual student growth over time
- It provides pass/fail determinations based on cut scores
Correct answer: It compares a student's performance to that of a peer group
Norm-referenced tests rank students relative to a norming group, showing how each student performs compared to peers.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a portfolio assessment?
- To rank students against national averages
- To provide a single snapshot of student achievement
- To document student growth and learning over time (Correct answer)
- To standardize grading across multiple teachers
Correct answer: To document student growth and learning over time
Portfolio assessments collect student work samples over time to demonstrate progress, effort, and achievement across multiple dimensions.
Question 4: In statistics, what does a standard deviation of zero indicate?
- All scores are at the maximum possible value
- All scores in the data set are identical (Correct answer)
- The test had no discriminating power
- Half the scores fall above the mean
Correct answer: All scores in the data set are identical
A standard deviation of zero means there is no variability — every score in the distribution is exactly the same value.
Question 5: Which accommodation is most appropriate for a student with a reading disability taking a science content assessment?
- Reducing the number of test questions
- Providing text-to-speech technology (Correct answer)
- Giving the student the answer key beforehand
- Exempting the student from the assessment entirely
Correct answer: Providing text-to-speech technology
Text-to-speech accommodates the reading disability while still assessing the student's science knowledge — the intended construct.
Question 6: A test that predicts how well students will perform in a future course is demonstrating:
- Content validity
- Construct validity
- Predictive validity (Correct answer)
- Face validity
Correct answer: Predictive validity
Predictive validity is established when assessment scores accurately forecast future performance in a related activity or course.
Question 7: Which assessment strategy involves students evaluating their own work against established criteria?
- Peer assessment
- Benchmark assessment
- Self-assessment (Correct answer)
- Authentic assessment
Correct answer: Self-assessment
Self-assessment requires students to reflect on their own performance using criteria such as rubrics or checklists to identify strengths and areas for growth.
Precision Assessment and Evaluation 3
A student consistently scores 72% on a math test, regardless of when it is taken.
This demonstrates: