In Vermont, we are using the New Standards Project Reference Exams. These exams were spearheaded by Lauren Resnick, a cognitive psychologist. She is not a psychometrician and not an expert in the field of testing and measurment. From: Nanny714@aol.com Date sent: Mon, 3 Nov 1997 01:04:30 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Do You Accept Kentucky's Testing Program? I have not heard anything about KIRIS being declared valid in Vermont. The question to ask is whether the validity of KIRIS has been proven by credentialed psychometricians. These are the testing experts. In Vermont, we are using the New Standards Project Reference Exams. These exams were spearheaded by Lauren Resnick, a cognitive psychologist. She is not a psychometrician and not an expert in the field of testing and measurment. Upon requesting data to support the validity of these exams, our deputy commissioner of education Marge Petit told me they had been proven valid as they had been "ground tested." I asked her for a definition of "ground testing." She stated that they had compared it to a standardized norm referenced test and the results were similar. Apparently the basis for determining the "validity" of an assessment according to our state DOE is "ground testing." Frankly, I've never heard of "ground testing" and I question whether the psychometric community has either. At any rate, there's an policy paper written by S.E. Phillips offered by NCREL. The title of the report is, "Legal Implications of High Stakes Assessment: What States Should Know." Ms. Phillips holds a Ph.D. in educational measurement and statistics and a J.D. in law. The cost is $19.95 and available from: North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) 1900 Spring Road, Suite 300 Oak Brook, IL 60521 (708) 571-4700, Fax (708) 571-4716 This report should prove to be most useful to you. Nancy Hall Vermont EDUCATION CONSUMERS CLEARINGHOUSE