Test Advisory Panel
Paragon Testing Enterprises has established a Test Advisory Panel to guide its activities in test development, evaluation, and operations. The Test Advisory Panel consists of internationally recognized scholars having expertise in the theory and application of test development, test evaluation, language literacy, language testing, and test operations. The Panel will interact with Paragon’s management team and Board of Directors to ensure that highest quality standards are maintained.
Terms of Reference:
The Test Advisory Panel is responsible for helping Paragon to develop and implement an ongoing, comprehensive program of test validation and research, primarily related to tests of English language proficiency. The Panel will receive requests from and give feedback and advice to Paragon regarding the development, evaluation, and delivery of its tests and auxiliary test products such as self-study guides and both onsite and online test preparation programs. This interaction with Paragon includes Paragon’s Board of Directors, Paragon’s President, its Manager, Test and Instructional Products Research and Development, and its Manager, Test Delivery. The Panel will also assist Paragon regarding the communication of its program of test development, evaluation, and operations to members of the general public, end-users of its tests, academic researchers, and practicing members of the testing industry. The activities of the Panel should provide evidence to all of Paragon’s constituencies, both internal and external, that Paragon’s tests and testing programs have been reviewed and enhanced by the active participation of people with expertise in the theory and practice of testing and its application to English language proficiency tests.
Membership and Areas of Expertise:
Collectively the members of the Panel should have expertise in both the theory and application of test development, test evaluation, language literacy, language testing, and test operations, and knowledge of English proficiency test users in Canada and the testing industry more widely. The Panel will consist of three members in the beginning and expand as needed.
Governance:
The activities of the Panel will be governed by the Terms of Reference for the Panel. The Panel will be led by a Chair who is appointed as a joint decision between the Panel members and the President, Paragon Testing Enterprises. The Panel will operate as a group of colleagues that is self-administered as to how it carries out its activities, but under the direction and guidance of its Chair so it can complete its assigned tasks in a timely manner. The Chair will be responsible for receiving communication and direction from Paragon and its Board and providing feedback and advice on behalf of the Panel in return.