Handbook of Test Development

Despite the fact that test development is a growth industry that cuts across all levels of education and all the professions, there has never been a comprehensive, research-oriented Handbook to which everyone (developers and consumers) can turn for guidance. That is the mission of this book. The Handbook of Test Development brings together well-known scholars and test-development practitioners to present chapters on all aspects of test development. Each chapter contributor is not only a recognized expert with an academic and research background in their designated topic, each one has also had hands-on experience in various aspects of test development.

This thirty two-chapter volume is organized into six sections: foundations, content, item development, test design, test production and administration, and post-test activities. The Handbook provides extensive treatment of such important but unrecognized topics as contracting for testing services, item banking, designing tests for small testing program, and writing technical reports. The Handbook is based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which serve as the foundation for sound test development practice. These chapters also suggest best test development practices and highlight methods to improve test validity evidence.

This book is appropriate for graduate courses and seminars that deal with test development and usage, professional testing services and credentialing agencies, state and local boards of education, and academic libraries serving these groups.