In educational assessments, what does validity mean?

Validity in educational assessments refers to the extent to which an assessment accurately measures what it is intended to measure. This concept is crucial because it determines the credibility of the assessment results. For instance, if a test is designed to measure student understanding of mathematical concepts, its validity is upheld only if it effectively assesses that knowledge rather than extraneous factors.

When assessments lack validity, the results may give misleading information about a student's abilities and knowledge, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions and decisions regarding their educational progress. Therefore, establishing validity is an essential aspect of effective assessment design and implementation, ensuring that the data gleaned from assessments are reflective of true student learning and understanding.