Authors: Andrew T. Roach, Stephen N. Elliott

September 2004, 22 pp.

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the methods and results of alignment analyses and standard-setting procedures used in investigations conducted during the development of alternate assessments in two states: Wisconsin and Idaho. To meet the assessment and accountability mandates contained in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA ‘ 97) and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, policymakers and test developers need to conduct two types of investigations:

• analyses of the alignment between assessments and state standards and
• standard-setting procedures to determine appropriate cut scores for proficient performance.

Application of a nationally recognized alignment procedure (Webb, 2002) and a modification of a widely used standard-setting procedure (Lewis, Mitzel, & Green, 1996) to alternate assessments are outlined.

Keywords: alternate assessment, standard setting, alignment analysis

Read the full working paper: Alignment Analysis and Standard-Setting Procedures for Alternate Assessments (PDF)