skip to main content skip to footer

Score Comparability for Language Minority Students on the Content Assessments Used by Two States ELL ELLA

Author(s):
Young, John W.; Holtzman, Steven; Steinberg, Jonathan
Publication Year:
2011
Report Number:
RR-11-27
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
21
Subject/Key Words:
Score Comparability, Test Validity, Large-Scale Assessment, English Language Learners (ELL), Language-Minority Students, K-12 Assessments, English Language Learning and Assessment (ELLA)

Abstract

In this research investigation of score comparability for language minority students (English language learners [ELLs] and former English language learners), we examined 3 indicators of score comparability (reliability, internal test structure, and differential item functioning) for 4th and 8th grade students who took the NCLB-mandated content assessments in English-language arts and mathematics in 2 different U. S. states. Overall, for the 8 assessments we examined, a high degree of score comparability was found for ELLs and former ELLs, when compared with native English speakers. The results from this study showed that although the assessments from the 2 states differed somewhat with respect to the 3 indicators, a high degree of score comparability was found for both states’ content assessments.

Read More