Considerations in developing or using second/foreign language proficiency computer-adaptive tests

This article describes what a computer-adaptive test (CAT) is, examines its roots, and points out some of the challenges this innovative approach to assessment presents.A number of issues involving CATs are then discussed in terms of (a) the basic principles of assessment embodied in the CAT, (b) the special psychometric and technical issues peculiar to the CAT as opposed to traditional or paper-and-pencil tests, (c) the hardware and software used in the CAT, and (d) the administration of the CAT.Each of these issues is discussed in terms of the questions CAT score users should ask (and have answered), and developers must consider when designing L2 CATs.The questions should highlight the need for published CAT tables of specifications, models, and blueprints; should help design evaluative criteria for assessing the reliability, validity, and utility of L2 CATs; may help developers fashion more valid, reliable, and authentic L2 CATs; and might familiarize CAT score users with some the complexities involved in interpreting CAT scores, as opposed to more traditional paper-and-pencil scores. Patricia DunkelConsiderations in Developing or Using...