Counseling & Educational PsychologyEPY 816

Tests & Measurements SyllabusDanville Campus-A1

**Syllabus is Tentative and Subject to Change**

A. Course: Counseling & Educational Psychology, EPY 816 Tests & Measurements -- 3 Credit Hours

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of the concepts, principles, and methods involved in the use of current tests, inventories, and evaluation procedures. Emphasis on measurement theory underlying construction, use, and interpretation of data from standardized tests will be discussed. Material on the social and legal implications of testing relating to various socioeconomic levels and minority groups will be addressed.

C. TEXT: Tests & Measurement for People Who (Think They) Hate Tests & Measurement by Neil J. Salkind, (2006). ISBN 1-4129-1364-0. (REQUIRED).

Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics by Neil J. Salkind, 3rd Edition (2008). ISBN 978-4129-5150. (Required).

The Aspiring Thinker’s Guide to Critical Thinking by Linda Elder and Richard Paul. ISBN: 978-0-944583-41-8, Item #554m (Required).

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major concepts associated with measurement, evaluation and testing, and be able to distinguish among them.

Demonstrate knowledge of current major social, ethical and legal issues in testing, measurement and evaluation.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various types of tests and their purpose. Distinguish between ethical and unethical testing practices, as well as between legal and

illegal testing practices. Demonstrate the ability to interpret results from teacher-made and standardized tests. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding as well as the application of the concepts of

reliability and validity as they relate to norm referenced and criterion referenced interpretation of tests.

Present written critiques of commercially produced tests or inventories used in mental health settings.

Explain in writing how to interpret and use information from a variety of sources including cumulative records, anecdotal records, case studies, tests, inventories, and observational techniques so that teachers, counselors, and parents may better understand the individual.

E. COURSE OUTLINE: Note: This is a general outline of course expectations, detailed assignments and expectations will be provided during class.

Module 1 (January 12) Introductions

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Cover course requirements, syllabus, expectations Analytic Thinking Concepts and tools Overview of Concepts and Issues in Tests and Measurement Assessing Your Knowledge Team and Discussion Group Formation Read Chapter 1-Why Me-asurement? An Introduction (T&M) Read Chapter 1-Statistics or Sadistics? It’s Up to You (S) Read Chapter 13-Achievement Tests: Who Really Discovered America (T&M) Read Chapter 14- Personality Tests: Type A, Type B, or Type C (T&M) Read Chapter 15-Aptitude Tests: What’s in Store for Me? (T&M) Read Chapter 16-Intelligence Tests: That Rubik’s Cube Is Driving Me Nuts (T&M) Read Chapter 17-Career Choices: So You Want to Be a What? (T&M) Read Chapter 18- Test Bias: Fair for Everyone? (T&M) Read Chapter 19- The Law, Testing, and Ethics: No Child (Should Be) Left Behind and

Other Concerns (T&M) Assignments and Discussion Group Case Project 1 Assigned

Module 2 (February 2) Read Chapter 3-Getting It Right Every Time: Reliability & It’s Importance (T&M) Read Chapter 4-The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth: Validity and Its

Importance (T&M) Read Chapter 5-Welcome to Lake Woebegone, Where All the Children Are Above

Average: Norms and Percentiles (T&M) Read Chapter 2-Means to and End: Computing and Understanding Averages (S) Read Chapter 3-Viva La Difference: Understanding Variability (S) Read Chapter 5-Ice Cream and Crime: Computing Correlation Coefficients (S) Read Chapter 6-Just the Truth: An Introduction to Understanding Reliability and Validity

(S) Read Chapter 7-Hypotheticals and You: Testing Your Questions (S) Read Chapter 8-Are Your Curves Normal? Probability and Why It Counts (S) Assignments and Discussion Module 1 Quiz

*Case Project I DUE Group Case Project 2 Assigned

March 8-12- SPRING BREAK

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Module 3 (March 2) Read Chapter 6-Short Answer and Completion Items: Baskin Robbins has _Flavors

(T&M) Read Chapter 7-Essay Items: Hope You Can Write (T&M) Read Chapter 8- Multiple-Choice Items: Always Pick C and You’ll be right 25% of the

Time (T&M) Read Chapter 9- Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match: Matching Items (T&M) Read Chapter 10-True-False Tests: T or F? I Passed My First Measurement Test (T&M) Read Chapter 11-Portfolios: Seeing the Big Picture (T&M) Read Chapter 12-So Tell Me About Your Childhood: Interesting Interviews (T&M) Assignments and Discussion Module 2 Quiz

Module 4 (April 6) Module 3 Quiz Group Case Study Project #2-Due* Assignments and Discussion

Module 5 (May 4) COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM

F. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Submission of Work:

A class week is defined as the period of time between Tuesday 5:00PM EST and Tuesday at 10:00 PM EST. The first week begins the first day of the term/semester. Complete and submit all assignments posted on syllabus and within each module.

Create a back up file of every piece of work you submit for grading. This will ensure that a computer glitch or a glitch in cyberspace won't erase your efforts. Backup all work submitted to the Module links to your personal E-Journal, the time and date will be automatically recorded to ensure that your work was submitted on time. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated in this syllabus and the Online module.

Any work submitted after the beginning of class on that date will be considered late. Extensions may (or may not) be granted at the instructors discretion, for half grade lower. Written documentation in support of such requests may be required, but providing such documentation does not guarantee the extension will be granted. Any work accepted must be requested and submitted within 24 hours. HOWEVER, late work submissions is highly discouraged.

There are no makeup’s for quizzes or exams. If you will be out, you should plan to schedule your quiz or exam before the scheduled date.

When files are sent attached to the appropriate link, the files should be in Microsoft Word, RTF, ASCII, txt, or PDF file formats. NO hand written assignments will be accepted for credit, unless specified during class.

Ground Rules for Online Communication & Participation: General email: Students should use email for private messages. When sending email to the

instructor, you should use your EKU account. In any case, you must identify yourself fully by name and class in all emails for a response. You should expect a response within 24-48 hours.

Online threaded discussions: are public messages and all writings in this area will be viewable by the entire class or assigned group members.

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Online Instructor Response Policy: I will check email frequently and will respond to course-related questions within 24-48 hours M-F.

Observation of "Netiquette": All your Online communications need to be composed with fairness, honesty and tact. Spelling and grammar are very important in an Online course. What you put into an Online course reflects on your level of professionalism, and academic character. Online communication which is demeaning or inconsiderate will result in immediate action. Therefore, it is important that you compose online communication with respect for the reader.

Review the Online references that discuss writing Online http://goto.intwg.com/ and netiquette http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.

Please check the Announcements area before you ask general course "housekeeping" questions (i.e. how do I submit assignment). The instructions are provided in the Student manual and specific directions for each assignment will be provided in the module.

Regular and on-going participation in Blackboard (Bb) course site and using your EKU e-mail is expected.

All students should attend scheduled class regularly and participate actively (both face to face and online). Remember that you will get more out of class if you participate consistently. If you do miss a class, please arrange to get notes, handouts, or other materials from a classmate. In addition, be aware that graded papers and quizzes and exams will be handed back only once; it is your responsibility to come to my office to obtain them if you are absent and to read the comments and/or feedback within the Bb Gradebook.

Questions regarding assignments and quizzes should be addressed within one week of the test date. Discussion of individual assignments and feedback should be arranged with the instructor and not within the Online forums or threads. All reading assignments for a given day should be completed before the beginning of class on that date to facilitate understanding and good class participation/discussion. I expect you to read all material assigned for this course. Not all readings will be discussed in class, as lectures will frequently supplement text and other reading assignments. Please raise issues in class or see me individually if you have questions about the content.

Assignments should be completed using the “Intellectual Standards of Critical Thinking” and will be graded accordingly. Also, appropriate APA citation and referencing should be used as appropriate.

The best way for me to communicate with you individually outside of class sessions is via email. I will send information and announcements pertinent to the class to your EKU email account using the email class list. It is expected that you check your EKU email on a daily basis (excluding weekends). Other whole class information will be posted on the Blackboard course site for this course. Finally, if you wish to contact me by email, please also do so using your EKU account; messages from other accounts may be diverted to my Spam file.

Class Discussion Leader: As part of participation, each student will be responsible for facilitating the class discussion for a minimum of at least one chapter per module (depending on the class size, students may be assigned additional chapters). (I will provide a model by presenting and leading the discussion for chapter 1 on January 12, the remaining chapters within the module will be divided among the students).

One week prior to leading the class discussion, the student will provide all class members with a copy of 2- 3 research journal articles, exercises or theoretical papers related to the topic (chapter) being presented, and a list of questions that will serve as the focus of discussion (you will need to provide the websites for student access).

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The chapter leader will provide a critical analysis over viewing the chapter and articles. Each student should be prepared to discuss assigned readings, exercises and the additional articles. Weekly overviews should be in the format of a one page, double- spaced critique. Discuss questions raised by the readings, applicability of research findings, theoretical issues, or any other relevant issue raised by the readings. You may relate the readings to your own clinical or personal experiences or to your own research interests. However, make sure your critique is tied to the readings providing evidence that you actually read the entire assignment. You must refer to all of the readings in your critiques.

All other students/classmates are expected to respond to the information provided by the class leader. Peer responses should focus on the questions raised by the chapter leader, readings, applicability of research findings, theoretical issues, or any other relevant issue raised. You may relate the readings to your own clinical or personal experiences or to your own research interests. However, make sure your response is tied closely enough to the readings to provide evidence that you actually read the entire assignment. You must refer to most or all of the readings; therefore it is important that you demonstrate your knowledge and that you do not just read one or two readings and focus your response on those. Cite and reference as you respond. It is expected that you participate in all in class activities in order to earn full credit for attendance and participation.

Discussion Leaders will be responsible for CREATING THE FORUM in the Discussion Board relating to their chapters.

Team Discussion Board Students will work as teams to complete some module assignments. It is important that lead

roles be identified and group expectations be developed in order to maintain a positive team relationship. Therefore, all groups will have designated Group Discussion Board sites to dialogue and work as a group.

What to do if you experience technical problems or have questions about the Online classroom.

If you experience computer difficulties (need help downloading a browser or plug-in, you need help logging into the course, or if you experience any errors or problems while in your Online course, contact the Bb helpdesk for assistance.

If the issue is preventing you from submitting or completing any coursework, contact me immediately AND submit your assignment to your EJournal. Do not submit emailed attachments of homework to me, as this will not be maintained in my email. Read explicit instructions regarding quizzes and tests. If you experience difficulty submitting a quiz or exam, the problem will be investigated via Bb support.

G. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable applies to undergraduate students.

H. EVALUATION METHODS: Meeting required deadlines for submitting assignments (individual/group) and exams as noted

on the course syllabi and Bb site (Module Assignments/Participation: Related to Chapters and text in class)

In-class Module Quizzes (3 Module Quizzes). Comprehensive Final ExamThe final exam is your opportunity to showcase the knowledge you have learned throughout the term. The final exam is: closed-book, open-note, comprehensive, in class face to face, 2-hour

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time limit. The final exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) and 4 essay questions (5 points each); the exam is worth 100 points.

In order to help you prepare for the final exam, I encourage you to fully review all the information covered this term. In addition, you are encouraged to complete the practice and review questions provided. All quizzes and exams will be given in class, face to face and you will be permitted to use class notes. If you score a 90% average on quizzes, you will be exempt from taking the final exam. The questions on quizzes are drawn from the same testbank as the questions for the final exam. The computer randomly selects the questions that are drawn for each student, so each student will get a different and unique set of questions. While it is possible that some of the questions that are randomly drawn for the practice will appear on the final exam, it is mathematically unlikely that there will be more than a couple that overlap verbatim. The point of the quizzes is NOT to memorize a set of questions, rather it is to use the questions to assess your understanding of the material found in each chapter. Once you complete a quiz, you can go over the questions to see which ones you got right and which ones you got wrong. You then use this knowledge to determine which chapters of the text you need to study more. If you are getting all the items from one chapter correct, then you would not need to spend as much time on that chapter. But, if you discover that you are consistently missing all the items from a given chapter, it would be wise to spend more of your time and effort on that material. (Specific assignment details are posted in the Bb Modules for each assignment).

Individual Case Study Project 1- Critiquing Assessments (Buros MMY) Individual Case Study Project 2- Presentation 2- Applications Project: Students will design a

final literature review project that will help them apply the principles of measurement to real-world situations.

Controversial Issues Team Debate-The controversial issues presentation involves an in-depth investigation of a controversial topic relevant to the field of tests and measurements. We will be examining 3 different controversial issues; they will be presented during Module 4. You will work in teams to present ONE controversial issue.

Regular class attendance, participation, completion of assignments (active and rich participation in weekly class discussions)

Regular and consistent team participation

Graded Area Percent of Total GradeParticipation (Classroom, on-line and small group, as assigned)

20%

Weekly Module Assignments (individual and/or team)

20%

Case Project/Presentations 1-2 20%

Team Controversial Debate 20%

Quizzes/Exams 20%100%

GRADING SCALE:  90% - 100% = A; 89.9%-80% = B; 79.9% - 70% = C; 69.9%-60%= D; < 59.9% = F

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I. STUDENT PROGRESS:  Students will be provided with feedback on all exams, quizzes and written assignments. Student grades will be maintained through the Blackboard course grade book. It is the student’s responsibility to review their grade book weekly after completing each module. If your progress is not satisfactory, students are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss their standing in the course. You may at any time during the semester ask to meet with the instructor to discuss your progress in the course. Students are encouraged to interact with the instructor outside of class by taking advantage of the office hours available and/or via phone calls, appointments or email. Specific questions regarding quizzes should be addressed at the close of the quiz for clarification. The grade response is typically two weeks of the assignment submission.

J. ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY: There are course modules with weekly deadlines posted within each module. Students will have access to each module for 5-7 days (24 hours each day) via Blackboard course site. Students are encouraged to practiced utilization of the course site and navigation tools to proficiently download and upload assignments and effectively using online assessments. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have access to the technology they need (24/7) in order to access the course and participate in the online modules, discussions and assignments throughout the week. Students should ensure they have access to a “back-up” computer with Internet access if their current system fails for any reason during the term. Blackboard help services are available for tutorials if needed.

It is the responsibility of the student to discuss with the instructor the reason for not participating in the course. Inactivity and/or absences will impact your final grade, including failure of the course since points are awarded for active participation in the class. Inactivity and nonparticipation will result in loss of participation points.

Make-up Quizzes/ExamsQuizzes will be completed during the class period. There are no makeup quizzes or exams. However, if you wish to request an early quiz or exam, submit this request for my consideration prior to the quiz or exam. You may be asked to provide written documentation in support of that request. Please be aware that providing such documentation does not necessarily mean that a quiz will be given. Under special circumstances a makeup may be granted, the test will be given at a time scheduled by the instructor.

Note: This is a 16 week full term course. This graduate level course is very demanding of one’s time. Therefore, if a student falls behind in completing assignments in the first two weeks of the course (before midterm), it is advisable to drop the EPY 816 course and re-enroll in the course in another term

K. LAST DAY TO DROP CLASS:   Determined By University Policy (See EKU Calendar)

L. ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS: If there is any student in this class who is in need of academic accommodations and who is registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, please make an individual appointment with the course instructor to discuss accommodations. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in alternative forms. If any student who is not registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities has need of academic accommodations, please contact the Office directly either in person on the first floor of the Turley House or by telephone at 622-1500.

M. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

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Incomplete policy: The grade of incomplete is not given if the student is unable to attend a substantial portion of the class meetings or to complete most of the assignments and tests. An incomplete grade is considered only if some urgent unforeseen event prevents the student from completing one of the assignments or the final exam & the student notifies the instructor before the final exam. Remember to check the EKU course schedule and catalog for information on withdrawals, incompletes, & academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and falsifying academic records. Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty: Any form of dishonesty, academic or otherwise, will result in a failing grade for the specific academic effort involved and may result in a failing grade for the entire course. In the case of such, you may be asked to re-do all work involving plagiarism or academic dishonesty according to specifications set forth by the professor; or may result in a lower course grade or failing or possible expulsion. Note, using the “Safe Assignment” component in Bb helps to monitor online plagiarism/academic dishonesty.

Confidentiality: This course involves discussion of many sensitive issues. All students must consider any information shared to be confidential within the limits of APA/ACA/KEA confidentiality.

Coverage of Material and Tests: Not all text material will be covered in class. Students MUST read the text and are responsible for all material in all assigned chapters. You are expected to read all assigned material before coming to class. Please ask the professor about any concepts, theories or other material that you do not understand PRIOR to the quizzes and exams.

To insure a productive learning environment for everyone, please attend to the following: Turn off/mute cell phones and pagers before class begins during face to face meetings. Avoid talking to classmates, passing notes, or other distracting behaviors (e.g., arriving late or

leaving early) when class is in session. Feel free to express your ideas and to challenge others’ ideas in the classroom, but do so in a

respectful manner that does not involve personal attacks or insults. In general, please treat others as you would wish to be treated.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY : The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy:

1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information if weather is questionable. 3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.4. Faculty members will email students if the class is cancelled due inclement weather—CHECK for emails and the Announcements Page in Bb before class if weather is questionable. **See for specific information on the Danville webpage. http://www.eku.edu/campuses/weather/regional_campuses.php

QUESTIONS/ ANSWERS REGARDING SYLLABUS

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EPY 816-22999 (Danville Campus) Spr.2010

Please sign and submit to the instructor that you have read and fully understand the information contained within this syllabus.

PRINT NAME: _______________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________

DATE: _________________________________

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