DEVELOPMENT OF TESTS, A MANUAL

Education has become an important determinant of the social and economic progress of individuals and of nations, and it typically ranks as one of the top priorities established by national governments. National student assessment programs play a central role in measuring the quality of education and monitoring the impacts of education reform. As such, assessment agencies have a responsibility to ensure that the development of tests and examinations meet the highest professional standards. The purpose of this manual is to assist a staff responsible in the design and development of student tests, and the analysis and reporting of results. Our focus here is on the practical application of test theory based on our experiences in carrying out a variety of assessment programs in Canada and internationally. The main themes are as follows: planning the assessment, test design, item development, test development & pilot testing, item and test analysis, interpreting test results.