Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to present evidence that validates the use of the SABER 11th test as a criterion for admission to Colombian universities. After a description of the exam and the uses given to the test scores, different types of evidence of their validity are presented for use in admission processes. First, qualitative evidence is presented of the validity of the domains assessed; second, of their content validity; third, of their reliability; and fourth, quantitative evidence of the test’s ability to predict academic performance in college. The discussion of the difficulty of having multiple purposes for the examination and the conflicts that this may generate for its validity is then addressed. The conclusions section outlines several lines of research that would allow further analysis of the validity of the various uses of the test.
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Notes
- 1.
Up to 2005, history and geography tests were used, year when they were merged into one single social test.
- 2.
Generic competences are those that must be developed by all to perform and actively participate in the democratic society that underpins Colombia's political constitution. They are considered indispensable for good performance in any academic or job area. Specific competencies are those that people must develop to perform properly in certain areas or professions.
- 3.
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá, Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Universidad de Los Andes, Universidad de San Buenaventura de Cali and the Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar.
- 4.
The SAT (Suit of Assessments) is a standardized exam applied by the College Board, which is used for college admission in the United States; it evaluates competencies in math and language, and the student's ability to apply the knowledge and skills he or she will need in college.
- 5.
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admission in the United States.
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Mariño, J.P., Molina, A., Gómez, Y. (2021). Is the SABER 11th Test Valid as a Criterion for Admission to Colombian Universities?. In: Manzi, J., García, M.R., Taut, S. (eds) Validity of Educational Assessments in Chile and Latin America. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78390-7_13
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