Pre-Conference Institutes (PCI)-Additional Tickets Required
Thursday, April 11th
Preconference Institute #1: Testing the Waters of Language Assessment Project Management
Presenter: Matthew Wilcox, PhD
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
This 3-hour workshop is designed to be an immersive experience for language professionals looking to venture into the realm of project management within the context of language assessment.
Guided by the principles of the book "Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager," this institute takes a unique approach, encouraging participants to dip their toes into the waters of language assessment project management. The workshop will provide practical insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of project planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and quality assurance specific to language test development.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of project management concepts tailored to language assessment projects. The metaphor of "Testing the Waters" invites participants to explore this specialized field with a sense of curiosity and readiness, ensuring they leave equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently manage language assessment projects.
Kogon, K., Blakemore, S., & Wood, J. (2015). Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager: A FranklinCovey Title. BenBella Books, Inc..
Preconference Institute #2: Reviewing for Bias and Sensitivity: Beyond Checklists
Presenter: Margaret Malone
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Abstract: Developing language test items is an enormous responsibility and requires fidelity to ethical principles and practices. While checklists for item development and review are essential for the overall process, test developers and instructors need additional resources to review for bias and sensitivity. This half-day workshop will begin with an overview of the ILTA Code of Ethics and Guidelines for practice. Next, participants will engage with each other to wrestle with realistic scenarios for item writing, review, and production. Based on the discussions from this small group work, the workshop coordinators will share some principles, practices and processes, and practicalities used to help item developers select, review and revise test items, and produce tests. Participants will develop both concrete and abstract approaches to rigorously review items and test forms.