Summer Reading List: I.C.E. Edition
Staying informed and equipped with the right resources is essential, so we've tapped into the collective wisdom of fellow I.C.E. members, who shared a few resources they’re currently finding informative. Read on to explore a diverse range of subjects, from legal guidelines to agile project management, that can enhance your work.
“Agile Practice Guide,” by Agile Alliance and Project Management Institute
Recommended by: Colin Biddle, PMP
Where you can find it: Agile Alliance or PMI
Why they recommend it: This guide is a useful introduction to Agile for any professional (credentialing or otherwise) who manages projects. Agile offers project management techniques that focus on delivering value early and often. Agile's mindset also welcomes change and collaboration. As a result, organizations that embrace Agile can be more responsive to their constituents/customers.
“Fairness in Educational Assessment and Measurement,” edited by Neil J. Dorans and Linda L. Cook
Recommended by: Isbah Ali Farzan
Where you can find it: NCME
Why they recommend it: In recent times, the credentialing testing industry is paying more attention to fairness in tests. This book introduces the concept to the reader. It contains useful information on maintaining fairness in test design, construction, administration, and scoring. It provides substantial grounds for DIF and other analyses for comparing item and test level scores across different groups of population.
“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,” by David Allen
Recommended by: Jim Carr
Where you can find it: Amazon
Why they recommend it: Today’s work environments require more output from employees than ever before, primarily because of technology-based efficiencies. However, most employees still use the tools from a century ago — a to-do list and a calendar — to manage their numerous work commitments. I have found the “Getting Things Done” system incredibly effective in helping manage a heavy and multifaceted workload and in protecting sufficient time for focused work.
“Introduction to Classical & Modern Test Theory,” edited by Linda Crocker and James Aligina
Recommended by: Isbah Ali Farzan
Where you can find it: Cengage Learning
Why they recommend it: This book is a good resource for basic candidate and test performance analyses for CTT and IRT. The authors have excellently interwoven theory, analysis and related formulas; thus, the book serves as a defensible reference while working on a new test report.
“The I.C.E. Handbook, 3rd Ed”
Recommended by: Margaret Lyons
Where you can find it: I.C.E. Website
Why they recommend it: The I.C.E. Handbook is a great, quick resource to go to when needing to refresh oneself on a credentialing process or review best practices in the industry. I have also used the handbook during times where new ideas or brainstorming different approaches was needed for my organization. Each chapter is written by a group of different authors and provides the reader with a robust view of the subject matter discussed.
“Title 29, Subtitle B, Chapter XIV, Part 1607 — Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures,” by the United States Federal Government
Recommended by: Robert Shaw
Where you can find it: The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
Why they recommend it: The Uniform Guidelines were published in the same decade (1970s) as the first of what became the NCCA standards. The operational definition of adverse impact is described in section 1607.4D of these regulations for those interested in the original text. Early ideas about validating examination claims within the occupational space are described in section 1607.5. Digesting perspectives from the decade just following passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act can add insight to current practices.
Willie S. Griggs et al., Petitioners, V. Duke Power Company
Recommended by: Robert Shaw
Where you can find it: Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
Why they recommend it: Those who advocate for the migration of certification examination content into general topics might do well to revisit this legal case. The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled for Griggs and against the Duke Power Co in 1971. A test used for employment decisions was described in paragraph 12 of the ruling as unrelated to the job, adopted without meaningful study, and judged by company management to improve workforce quality. An employer using such a requirement was described in paragraph 15 as burdened by the 1964 Civil Rights Act with proving a relationship to employment, which became an early, strong argument for job analysis studies. Certificates and diplomas should not become masters of reality as stated in paragraph 16, since highly effective performances can occur without them. Finally, tests must measure the person for the job, not the person in the abstract as stated in paragraph 21.
“To Validity and Beyond! A Handbook for Credentialing Exams,” by Amanda Dainis, PhD
Recommended by: Amanda Rutter
Where you can find it: Amazon
Why they recommend it: “To Validity and Beyond…” makes exam development and psychometrics fun! Sprinkled with light humor and emojis, it gives the reader a core understanding of these complicated business areas in a manner that is easy to digest. Learn basic terms and concepts, information on the importance of validity and legal defensibility, and more.