Validity-There Is A Match Between What Was Taught and What Is Tested. The Table Helps Insure
Validity-There Is A Match Between What Was Taught and What Is Tested. The Table Helps Insure
Validity-There Is A Match Between What Was Taught and What Is Tested. The Table Helps Insure
A Test Plan (Table of Specifications) classifies each test item according to what topic or concept
it tests AND what objective it addresses. The table can help you write a test that has content
validity—there is a match between what was taught and what is tested. The table helps insure
that you
1. emphasize the same content you emphasized in day-to-day instruction (e.g., more items
about topic X and fewer about topic Y because you consider X to be more important and
you spent more time on X)
2. align test items with learning objectives (e.g., important topics might include items that
test interpretation, application, prediction, and unimportant topics might be tested only
with simpler recognition items)
3. do not overlook or underemphasize an area of content
You can create the Test Plan as you teach the class by inserting the topics/concepts covered
each day, and to the extent possible writing 1-2 test items while the class period is still fresh in
your mind. If you can create the plan as-you-go, it it still a good idea to use the plan as a guide
when you sit down to write the test.