Preparing Policymakers for Standard Setting on High-Stakes Tests

Abstract

Those individuals who must establish passing standards for important tests typically do so with little or no standard-setting experience. Given the significant impact of the standards set on high-stakes tests, it is contended in this essay that formal preparation should be given to policymakers for their standard-setting tasks. Ten factors relevant to the standard-setting decision are proposed as potential substance for a standard-setting preparation program. It is also recommended that media representatives be given an abbreviated preparation session dealing with essentials of the standard-setting process.