Stakeholders' test perceptions on test reform

The success of test reform relies considerably on how stakeholders understand and accept the revised test (Green & Andrade, 2010). This study provided an opportunity for students and teachers to share their perceptions of a recently revised English test in China, the Test for English Majors Grade Four (TEM4). In addition, this study examined how stakeholders' perceptions of the test varied across institutions of different academic rankings. Survey data were collected from 496 students and 79 teachers, of whom 32 students and 12 teachers participated in a post-survey interview. Findings indicate that although stakeholders were overall positive about the revised TEM4, their perceptions were qualified by concerns with content representation and test difficulty. In addition, the data suggest that the revised TEM4 was associated with context-varying washback effects and negative psychological impacts. These findings highlight the important contribution that students' and teachers' perceptions may have in the test reform process.