What does consequential validity refer to?

Consequential validity focuses on the importance of the effects and implications that arise from the use of assessment results in educational settings. It emphasizes how the outcomes of assessments influence educational decisions, practices, and the benefits that learners accrue as a result. When an assessment demonstrates consequential validity, it means that its results contribute positively to students' learning experiences and educational opportunities, leading to beneficial changes or actions based on those results.

In contrast, options that discuss accuracy, predictive ability, or alignment with learning objectives address different aspects of an assessment's quality but do not encompass the broader implications and consequences of applying assessment results in real-world contexts. Therefore, understanding consequential validity involves examining the post-assessment impacts on stakeholders, particularly how those outcomes can foster learning improvements or reforms.