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Validity of standardized tests
Standardized tests are wonderful tools for quickly getting information about our classes. Not only are they (usually) quickly scored, but our own teaching can be compared to that of others by comparing scores. But, often there are problems with how the results are defined and described. In addition, tests that are useful for studying an entire class may not be useful for studying individual students (which begs the question of validity of the tests). More information can be found at the links below.
A paper which describes data taken using only standardized tests contains some information about the validity of the tests and the manner in which data from tests is incomplete if it is not combined with other data (for example, on implementation of materials)
- Wittmann, M.C., "On the dissemination of a proven curriculum: RealTime Physics and Interactive Lecture Demonstrations," submitted to the American Journal of Physics (2002).
The following slide presentations address the issue of validity when using standardized tests:
- Do "Invadility" results indicate
that standardized tests are invalid (PDF)
Andy Elby, Michael C. Wittmann - Standardized tests as predictors in advanced
physics classes (PDF)
Michael C. Wittmann
Department of Physics and Astronomy
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Contact Information
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