Isit valid? Is it reliable?
Validityand reliability concepts can be applied in both formal and informalassessments. They are considered crucial since they help in improvingthe degree of confidence with which individuals see assessments. Thisreport will discuss reliability and validity and how they can beensured in an informal assessment.
Reliabilityis a concept that refers to the uniformity with which an assessmentapproach, whether informal or formal, generates similar outcomes forthe same person from one administration of the assessment to thesucceeding. Alternatively, the concept of validity refers to thedegree over which a test or assessment measures an aspect that itclaims to measure. The validity can be established throughcontrasting or comparing scores with some stated construct orcriterion (Pierangelo & Giuliani, 2012). For example, thevalidity of an informal measure may become established throughshowing that the information gotten from a certain technique mirrorsthe instructional objectives and goals of the project. Consider acase where the project is about teaching communicative writing. Aassortment of holistically scored samples of writing can offer avalid measure. On the other hand, reliability may be establishedthrough applying a scoring criterion that is consistent.
Reliabilityand validity of unbiased assessments are important since they help inensuring that the assessments are sound and free from distortion(Neukrug & Fawcett, 2014). Besides, reliability and validityassists in increasing the confidence that individuals have on anassessment.
Mr.Franklin can ensure the validity and reliability of the informalassessments through different ways. He may ensure reliability throughcreating two forms of a similar test, comparing a half of a trialwith the other half, and providing the same test twice where they maybe separated by days, months, or weeks. Alternatively, he may ensurevalidity through matching the content of an assessment with theinstructional objectives, ensuring that outcomes on the test agreewith or predict an external criterion, and making sure that a testcorresponds to other variables (Neukrug & Fawcett, 2014).
Inconclusion, reliability and validity of unbiased assessments arevital since they help in ensuring that the assessments are sound andfree from distortion. It is important for Mr. Franklin to use thedifferent means of ensuring validity and reliability in the informalassessments.
References
Neukrug,E., & Fawcett, R. C. (2014). Essentialsof testing and assessment: A practical guide to counselors, socialworkers, and psychologists.Australia: Brooks/Cole.
Pierangelo,R., & Giuliani, G. A. (2012). Assessmentin special education: A practical approach.Boston: Pearson.