The Validity and Applicability of Measuring Ability and Achievement in Assessing Readiness for Senior High School

Victorius  Q. Bibera,

The Validity and Applicability of Measuring Ability and Achievement in Assessing Readiness for Senior High School

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

This study aimed to validate the constructs used to assess readiness for Senior High School (SHS). The SHS Readiness Assessment comprises three components: Ability, Achievement, and Occupational Interest. The reliability of all three components was examined. However, construct validation was conducted only for the Ability and Achievement components, as the Occupational Interest component did not demonstrate acceptable model fit. Specifically, the hypothesized unidimensional Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional model yielded inadequate fit indices, including the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Comparative Fit Index, and Tucker- Lewis Index, suggesting that an alternative factor structure may need to be explored in future studies. The Ability measures underwent reliability estimation and construct validation through convergent comparison with the National Career Assessment Examination, providing evidence of reliability and validity for the SHS Readiness Assessment's Core Competencies (Ability Test). The Achievement measures also underwent criterion-related validation, with results indicating that these measures can predict students' school grades in Senior High School. Overall, the findings suggest that the SHS Readiness Assessment is a useful tool for assessing SHS readiness, provided that appropriate psychometric procedures are undertaken to establish the reliability and validity of its components.

References:

Aiken, L. R. (1998). Tests and examinations: Measuring abilities and performance. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Aiken, L. R. (2003). Psychological testing and assessment (11th ed.). Pearson Education Group, Inc.
Friedenberg, L. (1995). Psychological Testing: Design, analysis, and use. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Goldstein, G., & Beers, S. R. (2004). Comprehensive handbook of psychological assessment: Volume I. Intellectual and neuropsychological assessment. John Wiley & Sons.
Hansen, J.C. (1990). Interest inventories. Chapter in S. Goldstein & M. Hersen (eds.). Handbook of Psychological Assessment. Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press.
Lapeña, M. G. (2016). Readiness assessment for senior high (RASH): Validity and reliability indicators.
Messick, S. (1995). Validity of psychological assessment: Validation of inferences from persons' responses and performances as scientific inquiry into score meaning. Psychological Assessment, 7, 741-749.
Readiness Assessment for Senior High School Test Guidelines (2015). [Assessment instrument].