Validity Evidence on the Spatial Ability Assessment for STEM Instruction and Evaluation

Research has established that spatial ability is a crucial aspect of success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Spatial ability involves the capacity to think about images and to transform them mentally. Our ultimate goal is to develop mechanisms for identifying children who possess high levels of spatial ability and to determine ways to support their development and learning. Accordingly, the proposed research is to develop and assess a new test of spatial ability that is appropriate for children in kindergarten or elementary school and that can be easily administered in a school setting. The Northwestern portion of this work will include the following: a) Assisting in the review of new test items (The items themselves will be developed at Auburn University) b) Assessing the effectiveness of the test by administering early version of it to school children in the greater Chicago area c) Entering the data for analysis and assisting in analysis d) Working with others PIs to prepare conference presentation and submit papers for publication