This year, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Large-Scale Assessment conference took place in Detroit, the world's automotive center. The weather was a pleasant contrast compared to the heat in Texas, where I live and work. As the conference overlapped with River Days, it was nice to share in the festive atmosphere. The 30-minute fireworks display was splendid.
The participants in the CCSSO conference were quite different from those in NCME or in AERA Division D. The psychometrician/research scientist was a “rare animal.” However, the conference provided a good opportunity to meet assessment users from different states’ Departments of Education.
Most of the presentations were neither technical nor psychometric in orientation but they provided information about the trend of large-scale assessment in the United States. This year, the topics, like Race to the Top, Common Core Standards, and Best Assessments Practice, were especially “hot.”
Not many people showed up for my presentation. It might be the title, “…Threats to Test Validity….” Was it too technical?
Pearson proudly sponsored a reception buffet dinner with live music and several vice presidents greeted guests at the door. The dinner provided an enjoyable situation in which to meet and build relationships with others in the assessment field. I met a number of colleagues from global Pearson and I felt proud to be a member of this big family.
C. Allen Lau, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Psychometrics & Research Services
Assessment & Information
Pearson
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