Development

The development process includes the following activities:

Test Framework Development and Review

Test frameworks that define the content of each test are prepared for fields under development. The test frameworks are broad statements of subject matter knowledge and skills that are important for entry-level teaching in Indiana schools. The draft test frameworks are based the REPA Indiana Educator Standards. The draft test frameworks are reviewed and approved by committees of Indiana public and charter school educators and higher education faculty.

Item Review

At an Item Review Conference, test questions and other assessment materials are reviewed by committees of licensed Indiana public school/charter school educators and educator preparation faculty. Committees review the accuracy and appropriateness of the materials. In addition, materials are reviewed to eliminate potential sources of bias and to include diversity in the assessment materials. The Item Review Conference is typically a two-day meeting.

Pilot Testing

Test questions are pilot tested to gather information about item performance. The pilot tests provide educator candidates and those interested in entering an educator preparation program with valuable practice in taking the Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure and the opportunity to gain insight into the knowledge and skills being evaluated by the new assessments.

Marker Response Establishment

For assessments that include one or more constructed-response item, Content Advisory Committee members will convene to review pilot-test responses and to select responses that will serve as "score-point markers" used to orient scorers during the operational holistic scoring sessions. The Marker Response Selection Meeting is typically a one-day meeting.

Standard Setting

At this meeting, educators participate in a process for recommending a passing score for the assessments to the Indiana Department of Education. The Standard Setting Conference is typically a one- or two-day meeting.

Fairness Review Committee

Educators will convene to review draft test materials, including test frameworks and test items, for bias prevention and the inclusion of diversity in test materials. This is typically a one- or two-day meeting held before each test development conference.

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