Fairness, Justice and Language Assessment

This book has two goals, each related to the validity of

language assessment. The first goal is to explore the difference

between fairness and justice in language assessment. The

authors distinguish internal and external dimensions of the

equitable and just treatment of individuals taking language

tests which are used as gatekeeping devices to determine

access to education and employment, immigrant status,

citizenship, and other rights. The second goal is to show how

the extent of test fairness can be demonstrated and improved

using the tools of psychometrics, in particular the models

collectively known as Rasch measurement.

“This book will have an enormous impact on the field of

language assessment. Using Rasch analysis models to

explore and identify sources of unfairness, the authors

make a compelling case for fairness in the design and

implementation of language assessment instruments and

for justice in the interpretation and use of test results.

A real strength of the book is that it guides readers through

analytical techniques in an accessible way.”

Dan Douglas, Professor Emeritus, Applied Linguistics Program,

Iowa State University.