Technical Methods Report: Using State Tests in Education Experiments: A Discussion of the Issues (November 16, 2009)
This reference report is designed to help researchers evaluate and make decisions about whether and how to use state test data in education experimental studies and includes discussions on issues for non-experimental studies. The report's four recommendations are (1) Gauge the alignment of specific assessments with the outcome objectives of, and research questions about the intervention of interest; (2) Ensure that the assessment is reliable and appropriate for the study target population; (3) Whenever possible, collect and use baseline measures; and (4) Carefully consider whether and how to combine results based on distinct assessments.
