PROGRESS NEWSLETTERS

Three Common Threats to Validity - June 2007

By Leslie Thomas, Ph.D.

Is a test or an item valid? I hope that most of us know that the answer to this question is a resounding "no". Validity refers to the appropriateness of the inferences we make and the actions we take based upon the test scores.

That said, I am often asked whether a test is a "valid test". Because it is easy to forget that validity has to do with the interpretation and uses of test scores rather than a property of the test itself, we sometimes forget that even a "good" test can give us "bad" information. Read this Issue

Are You Creative or Reactive? - November 2006

By Soley Somma, Editor

If I asked you to name creative professionals you might list artists, graphic designers, writers, interior designers, architects, etc. These individuals are paid (in most cases), to think differently and to question the status quo. I'd like to think that our profession, the testing industry, is full of creative professionals, and I am not just talking about the marketing people.

I think that testing and certification program managers and administrators could be the most creative individuals in our industry. I say could be, because in most cases this group usually has the least amount of potential creative time. But why be creative anyway? Being creative gives you an advantage. It allows you to switch from dealing with what's happening now (putting out fires), to finding ways of doing things differently (fire prevention). Move the 'C' in Reactive to the front and you have a new mindset. So which are you - Creative or Reactive? Read this Issue

Paper Dinosaurs - September 2006

By Quinn Sutton

I like paper. Paper, with texture, with patterns with embedded fragments of nature. I even like specialized "ORIGAMI" paper produced in Japan for the ancient art form of paper folding. My children especially enjoy the dinosaurs I recently learned to create with the help a book with lots of pictures and a very skilled author. But as much as I may like paper for certain uses, I cannot bring myself to confess my admiration for it when it is applied to testing. I think its time for progress and innovation. Read this Issue

Progress is Both Evolutionary and Revolutionary - July 2006

By Quinn Sutton

Recently I had the opportunity to drive the family mini van across country. It was a four-day journey right out of a "vacation" movie starring Chevy Chase. It also put me in touch with "progress". Read this Issue

Welcome to Progress - May 2006

By Quinn Sutton

I have been around the testing and certification industry longer than I care to admit publicly but having "been around the block" does have its advantages. I have earned every gray hair or in my case, the loss thereof, through my years of industry experience. Although with the advent of new technologies, I still often feel like I am trying to catch up, nevertheless, my experience has given me one important thing - perspective. This perspective is what I would like to share with each of you. Read this Issue