Building a Validity Argument for the Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (ESL & Applied Linguistics Professional Series) - Softcover

"... makes a significant contribution to the field of language assessment by bringing together in one volume all of the excellent work that has gone into the revision of one of the world’s most influential tests. A welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in assessment issues, both in the U.S. and internationally."
--Sarah Cushing Weigle, Georgia State University, U.S.

"... a unique and important contribution to the fields of educational measurement, applied linguistics, and language testing, Most of what one finds in the professional literature in terms of validation work involves research and analyses of data gathered from the use of an instrument that is already ‘live.’ What makes this volume so interesting and unique is that it offers measurement experts and language testers insights into how construct theory – in this case foreign/second language proficiency – and validity arguments come together to drive the test development process."
--Micheline Chaloub-Deville, University of Iowa, U.S.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language ™ (TOEFL®) is used by more
universities worldwide than any other test to assess English language
proficiency for academic admission and placement decisions, and to guide
English language instruction.

This landmark volume provides a detailed description and analysis of Educational Testing Service’s research and development efforts to develop a major revision of the TOEFL® test. The result is a book that serves as a case study of test design drawing upon theory in the complex domain of English language proficiency while attempting to meet standards of educational measurement.

Building a Validity Argument for the Test of English as a Foreign Language™ is distinctive in its attempt to develop a coherent story of the rationale for a test or its revision, explain the research and development process, and provide the results of the validation process. Through its treatment of one test, it expands on and tests principles and approaches to educational measurement, providing an in-depth, integrated perspective on the overall process of test revision. Moreover, because the conceptual foundation and history are presented alongside the empirical studies and validity argument, these sometimes disparate areas are presented in a way that demonstrates their connections – an approach which represents a departure from, or extension of, conventional materials on test revision.

This volume is particularly relevant for professionals and graduate students in educational measurement, applied linguistics, and second language acquisition as well as anyone interested in assessment issues.