Book: Criterion-Referenced Test Development by Sharon A. Shrock and William C. Coscarelli

Criterion-Referenced Test Development: Technical and Legal Guidelines for Corporate Training by Sharon A. Shrock and William C. Coscarelli

In Criterion-Referenced Test Development, Sharon A. Shrock and William C. Coscarelli provide a comprehensive guide for developing criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) tailored to corporate training environments. The book offers step-by-step instructions on constructing valid and reliable assessments that align with specific job competencies. Key topics include test construction, item formats, scoring methods, reliability and validation techniques, test administration, and score reporting. The authors also address legal and liability considerations, ensuring that assessments meet professional and ethical standards. This resource is essential for professionals aiming to create effective evaluations that accurately measure learner performance and support organizational objectives.

Sharon A. Shrock is a professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where she coordinates graduate programs in instructional design and instructional technology. She has served as co-director of the Hewlett-Packard World Wide Test Development Center and is a past president of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology’s Division of Instructional Development. Shrock has contributed extensively to the field through her work on editorial boards of major academic journals in instructional design.

William C. Coscarelli is a professor specializing in Instructional Design at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He has co-directed the Hewlett-Packard World Wide Test Development Center and has held leadership positions, including president of the International Society for Performance Improvement and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology’s Division for Instructional Development. Coscarelli was the founding editor of Performance Improvement Quarterly and served as the first vice-president of Publications for ISPI.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its detailed guidance on creating assessments that are both legally sound and effective in measuring job-specific competencies. By following the authors’ evidence-based methodologies, instructional designers and trainers can develop CRTs that provide accurate evaluations of learner performance, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and supporting organizational goals. The inclusion of practical examples and updated legal guidelines makes this resource particularly relevant for those responsible for assessment development in corporate settings.