Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam 2026 - Free AEPA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Validity in terms of assessment is fundamentally defined as whether a test measures what it is intended to measure. This concept ensures that the conclusions drawn from the test results are based on accurate, relevant, and meaningful data regarding the skills or knowledge being assessed. For example, if a mathematics test aims to assess algebraic skills, it should focus on problems directly related to algebra and not, say, reading comprehension.

This centrality of validity is crucial because it impacts how educators and stakeholders interpret the results. If a test is deemed valid, educators can trust that the assessment accurately reflects students' abilities and can be used to inform instruction, guide interventions, and make decisions about student progress. Validity encompasses various types, including content validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity, each serving to further establish the credibility of the assessment's purpose.