Questions to ask when evaluating interim assessments
Are you in the process of deciding between home-grown and commercially available interim assessments? Start by asking what “job” these assessments are hired to do.
What outcome do you expect after the assessment results are reported, analyzed, and applied within the classroom?
What assessment results are needed to support the changes you seek?
What assessments design will elicit those results?
By articulating a clear theory of action, districts will have explicit expectations for the interim assessment that allows them to evaluate which design and features best support meeting those expectations.
Additional questions to ask during your evaluation
Does the content adhere to the principles of Universal Design for Learning?
Are the passages and items engaging, leveraging multiple item types appropriate for the construct, as well as represent the diversity of the student population?
How are items evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for bias?
What accessibility features and accommodations are available for students?
How does the testing interface compare to what students use for summative assessment?
What training options are available for leaders and educators for implementation, and what types of implementation support are available?
How long does it typically take to prepare the assessment platform for student testing?
Are there professional development offerings that build educator capacity around the use of the assessment results?
Are there guides and other asynchronous training materials?
By evaluating interim assessments through this type of lens, districts can begin to unlock the black box and evaluate if the assessment will meet their unique purposes and goals.
