Equity

In assessment, equity refers to issues of test score interpretation (test bias) and test use (test fairness) for specific groups. Examples include differential reliability of tests across specified groups, differential item functioning, and inequality of the predictive utility of tests across age, gender, and disability, and racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups. In program evaluation, equity applies to the balanced focus and equality of treatment of all stakeholders. It may also relate to values such as respect for individuals' self-worth, dignity, and security during the evaluation process and the differences among stakeholders that are based in race, [Page 130]ethnicity, culture, gender, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.