Constructing Aligned Assessments Using Automated Test Construction

We describe an innovative automated test construction algorithm for building aligned achievement tests. By incorporating the algorithm into the test construction process, along with other test construction procedures for building reliable and unbiased assessments, the result is much more valid tests than result from current test construction practices. The test construction process is efficient and versatile in its application. The target domain could be state content standards, a particular curriculum, or even an intervention. The algorithm, which draws on Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) procedures, can be employed in the context of English language arts and reading, mathematics, or science. We demonstrate the algorithm's use and benefits for constructing tests, guiding item writing, and creating subtests from an existing test such that the subtests.