It’s Time to Do More! Mitigate Test Program Biases with a Strong DEI Strategy.

I.C.E. Exchange Program Description: To mitigate biases, broaden candidate pools, and guarantee fair access to licensure and certification opportunities, testing programs should prioritize promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies within their assessment processes. Central to their efforts is the adoption of inclusive test development practices, encompassing a diverse subject matter expert (SME) pool, inclusive item writing style guides, and taking advantage of the ever-changing technology behind the process.

By embracing these practices, licensure bodies aim to foster an environment where assessment procedures reflect the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences. Moreover, they seek to counteract inherent biases that may inadvertently influence evaluation outcomes.
The decisions made by those who shape assessments should reflect the diversity of those whose knowledge, skills and competencies will be assessed. Through proactive measures, such as expanding the representation of SMEs from various backgrounds, testing programs aspire to create assessments that resonate with a broader spectrum of candidates.

By providing clear stylistic guidelines, they endeavor to ensure that assessment materials are accessible and comprehensible to all individuals, irrespective of their cultural or linguistic background.

There is no one right approach; this session aims to provide ideas that will advance DEI principles in assessment practices, thereby promoting fairness and inclusivity in the testing process.

Thank you Excelsoft for Sponsoring our Test Development and Administration Track.