by .KyKy.
Do you know the saying about the buttons on a shirt?
If you don’t fasten the first button correctly, it doesn’t matter what you do from that point on (save for undoing it and starting over), the shirt will never fit properly.
This concept has applications to aspects of everyday life and certainly applies directly to large-scale assessment.
Jones (2014) explains that “In large-scale assessment there are many first buttons. Ethical considerations should be the first buttons that underlie all aspects of assessment, since fairness in all its aspects to test takers is fundamental. In addition, the assessment program will not be successful unless appropriate thought has gone into the initial design and implementation of the program; this is evidenced through the development and public release of a comprehensive framework document. Hiring the best professional staff, choosing the ‘right’ item writers and delivering quality training, selecting strong reading passages, hiring the ‘right’ scorers and providing quality training, choosing the best equating and standard-setting methods for the given assessment program, and considering audiences’ needs in determining the most appropriate content and format for reporting are examples of important first buttons.” (pp. 175-176)
The “first button” concept is integral to quality assurance (QA) in large-scale assessment as is the design, implementation, and monitoring of QA measures for all components of assessment. The Quality Assurance Lab, a collaboration of RMJ Assessment and Consultation MEP Consulting Inc., delivers a wide range of QA services. Knowledgeable and experienced in best practices, this team offers organizations and jurisdictions auditing services to assess the adequacy of existing processes and is skilled in the design, development, and implementation of any QA needs. For more information, please visit our Web sites at: https://www.rmjassessment.com/quality-assurance/ and http://www.consultationmepconsulting.com/our-services/.
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Jones, R.M. (2014). Large-Scale Assessment Issues and Practices: An Introductory Handbook.
RMJ ASSESSMENT 