Can We Be Confident In Standardized Test Results? – Part 2

This is the second in a series of articles by Karl F. Kuhn with an analysis of the validity and reliability of the MAP test.

Introduction

Both state and federal (NCLB) regulations have placed great emphasis on standardized testing as a measure of the quality of schools and teachers. Many schools have adopted standardized testing to guide their improvement plans. But are the tests reliable? Are the tests providing meaningful information?

We understand from math, science, and technology that all measures must be checked for accuracy and precision. Both accuracy and precision must be high for a measure to be useful. In this study, we review problems with both the accuracy and precision of MAP testing as a guide for improving education. We will demonstrate that MAP testing does not provide data that is sufficiently accurate and precise to guide differentiation in the classroom.

Click on this link for the complete article:

http://conceptualmath.org/misc/MAPtest.htm

 

To see the first article in the series, click on this link:

 http://ksdcitizens.org/2011/09/11/can-we-be-confident-that-test-scores-provide-useful-information-about-kennewick-students/

 

 To learn more about Mr. Kuhn and his views about teaching math and science, click on this link:

http://conceptualmath.org/misc/kfkstory.html