Test and Item Response Theories and School Environment as Assessment Practice Functions for Science and Mathematics among Secondary Schools in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effect of knowledge of the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) and school assessment environment on assessment practice among teachers of science and mathematics subjects in Eastern Uganda Secondary Schools. The study assessed the levels of knowledge and application of CTT and IRT in assessment, examined the suitability of school environment for assessment and established the influence of school environment and knowledge of CTT and IRT on teachers’ engagement in assessment. A census of 307 teachers of science and mathematics subjects attending SESEMAT training in Eastern Uganda participated in the study. The results revealed that the teachers were engaged in assessment (M = 17.04, SD = 2.00) and had moderate levels of knowledge of CTT (M = 10.19, SD = 2.23) and IRT (M = 17.5, SD = 3.50). Their levels of application of CTT (M = 28.08, SD = 3.85) and IRT (M = 6.86, SD = 1.47) were also moderate. The teachers reported that their schools had somewhat conducive environments for assessment (M = 14.37, SD = 3.44). In addition, school environment affects teachers assessment practices most (β = .211, t = 7.212, p < .05), knowledge of CTT also influences teachers assessment practice, but less than the influence by environment (β = .112, t = 4.969, p < .05). In conclusion, enhancing the levels of knowledge and application of CTT and IRT as well as improving school assessment environment are paramount for meaningful engagement in assessment by teachers. The study recommends pre-service and in-service training of the teachers in CTT and IRT in addition to schools improving environments for effective teacher engagement and quality assessment.