Development and Validation of the Minnesota Inference Assessment

Abstract

The overall aim of the current investigation was to develop and validate the initial version of the Minnesota Inference Assessment (MIA). MIA is a web-based measure of inference processes in Grades K–2. MIA leverages the affordances of different media to evaluate inference processes in a nonreading context, using age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction videos coupled with questioning. We evaluated MIA’s technical adequacy in a proof-of-concept study. Taken together, the results support the interpretation that MIA shows promise as a valid and reliable measure of inferencing in a nonreading context for students in Grades K–2. Future directions involve further development of multiple, parallel forms that can be used for progress monitoring in K–2.