News items regarding dubious testing practices of educators abound in the national press. Often educators respond to external pressure to increase student scores by engaging students in test-preparation activities. Because some of these activities can result in inaccurate scores and produce negative consequences for students, teachers, schools, parents, and the community, it is important that teachers and administrators be able to make educationally and ethically defensible decisions about what types of activities can be used and in what contexts. Additional information to assist Iowa educators in making sound decisions regarding activities associated with preparing students to take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) or Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) is now available.
This program, designed by Dr. Kris Waltman of The University of Iowa Center for Evaluation and Assessment, is accessible for use by Iowa educators. The lessons are best delivered in group settings with opportunities for discussion, however individuals can also access and complete the curriculum. At the conclusion of the program, educators should have greater understanding of how criteria related to academic ethics, score meaning and use, and educational value are connected to test-preparation activities.