Janet Carlson, Ph.D.- Buros Center for Testing

Testing in a Digital Age: Ethical Considerations for Responsible Assessment (80 minutes) LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.Identify core ethical concerns associated with virtual/remote testing practices. 2. Describe the status of empirical evidence regarding virtual/remote assessment. 3. Provide examples of construct-irrelevant influences that are unique to virtual/remote assessment. 4. Specify actions that can be implemented to mitigate ethical risks arising from virtual/remote testing practices. ABSTRACT: Ethical concerns emanating from the application of technology to assessment practices are not new. However, these issues became more immediate and more salient with the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many school-based practitioners had few options other than using remote techniques to conduct mandated psychoeducational evaluations of students. There is nothing inherently wrong—or right—about remote assessments, yet the recent sudden and accelerated use of these techniques calls for circumspection. This intermediate-level webinar addresses ethical dilemmas and limitations associated with the use of remote techniques in conducting psychoeducational evaluations. The discussion reviews evidence concerning the use of remote measures and the comparability of results across assessments conducted remotely and in-person and is grounded in ethical principles promulgated by relevant professional bodies, including the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. Recommendations and implications for professional practice are offered. BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Janet F. Carlson serves as Associate Director and Research Professor at the Buros Center for Testing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she oversees all aspects of test reviews and information and related print and electronic publications. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University (Bronx, NY), and completed a second internship in School Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in New York and Nebraska, and certified school psychologist in New York. She has taught a variety of courses including many in ethics and in testing and assessment. USER RATINGS: American Psychological Association (APA) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. (Provider #1113) New York State Education Department (NYSED) Buros Center for Testing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0187. There is no known commercial support for this program. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS PROVIDED WHEN PURCHASED FOR A COURSE: PowerPoint slides References/additional readings Comprehension quiz with answer key Discussion questions Timestamps for presentation content For a brief preview of this video, click link below.