AleDev Research

How Much of the Standard?

This standard, RI 8.2, appears to have two parts. The latter part is providing an objective summary, and the former part is about relationships of central and supporting ideas. One might read the standard as suggesting that the former part defines what the latter part means. That is, provide an objective summary in which the relationships of central ideas to their supporting ideas are more or less fully analyzed.

What is the Idealized Student/Test Taker (IS/TT)?

The idealized student/test taker learned all the lessons. They were diligent in class and are diligent on tests. They attempt every item exactly as their teachers would want them to, applying the correct technique and knowledge. Their thinking is linear, and clear. They understand the item and what it is trying to communicate.

What is Wrong with the Idealized Student/Test Taker?

The IS/TT is a fiction. They not only are a fiction because no such student or test taker actually exists, but even more dangerously because they promote the idea that there is one sort of “typical” test taker that item writers, content development professionals and other item reviewers should focus on.

Why so Insidious?

I do not think that anyone would question anything in the previous section. It is all rather human and very obvious. And yet, it is so much easier to write, refine or review items with just the IS/TT in mind. It makes the process more direct and much less uncertain. It allows us to stay in our own perspectives, think about our own intentions. It is cleaner and simpler.