Assessment specifications are necessary planning tools that set the design parameters for the instruments that we wish to create or select. For example, a Table of Specifications (also called a test blueprint) is used for designing written, structured-response achievement tests. Such specifications would identify the number of questions that would have to be written to measure particular learning outcomes in the achievement domain. Specifications guide the detailed work of generating the actual assessment tools. Chapters 6-9 that follow, elaborate the rules and guidelines to follow when we actually construct the items and assemble tools in User Paths 1-6 ( Phase III of the Process Model). A well-prepared set of specifications will usually lead to the construction of better assessments.

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