Assessment of Academic Achievement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

Abstract

This seminar will explore how psychologists should (and should not) use of tests of academic achievement with students who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Issues of test content, purpose (e.g., screening vs. diagnosis), bias, and fairness will be discussed for major standardized tests and approaches to measuring academic achievement. Although the available evidence suggests that achievement tests are not biased when used with students whose primary language is English, the evidence suggests that how tests are applied (i.e., fairness), and their use with students whose primary language is not English, may harm students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We will consider strategies to enhance student outcomes and minimize unintended (i.e., harmful) effects for psychologists who use academic achievement tests with students who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

Presenter

Jeff Braden | North Carolina State University