Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for designing educational assessments. In one embodiment, a method for guiding a user in the design of an assessment includes receiving, from the user, one or more goals relating to the assessment and translating those goals into a task specification for an assessment task in accordance with one or more user-defined variables.

Abstract: Methods for designing an assessment and providing accessibility features for a test taker profile are disclosed. A test taker profile, including multiple knowledge, skill and other attribute(s) (KSAs), is defined in which each KSA has a specific level. Each KSA is designated as either a focal KSA (an essential part of the targeted proficiency to be measured) or an ancillary KSA (not an essential part). For each focal KSA, a focal value (the value that the test taker must have to possess a high level in the targeted proficiency) is defined. For a particular test design alternative (which may include an accessibility feature), a requirement is determined for each KSA. An accessibility feature is selected which avoids indications of invalidity, including: a mismatch between the targeted proficiency and the expected proficiency; the test taker profile does not satisfy all ancillary requirements; and focal requirements are either excessive or insufficient.

Abstract: A Portal Assessment Design System includes a system for designing assessment models and assessments (e.g., standardized tests). In assessment design, specifications are organized around three basic elements: 1) what knowledge, skill or abilities are important to measure; 2) what is necessary evidence of that knowledge, skill or ability; 3) what performance situations are needed to elicit the required evidence from students and other assessment users. The system includes three modules (i.e., Domain Analysis, Domain Modeling, Conceptual Assessment Framework), each of which targets a specific phase of the design process, for designing an assessment in accordance with the three basic elements. The sequence of modules represents the structure of a design process that helps assessment developers work through successive stages or phases of assessment design, from the gathering of raw information to the creation of a complete set of specifications for an assessment product.