ITSC Research Grant Program

Join us on our mission for excellence through an ITSC research grant!

ITSC offers a unique opportunity for researchers interested in contributing to the enhancement of our testing products through innovative research. We believe in the power of research to drive product improvements and are eager to support ambitious projects in the field of language assessment that align with this vision.

Purpose

The primary purpose of ITSC research grants is to partner with external researchers to explore new approaches to evaluating and enhancing our products.

Emerging Researcher Grant Program
The Emerging Researcher Grant Program is specifically designed for graduate students who are currently engaged in studies related to language assessment. We encourage you to apply if you are seeking funding and support to propel your research forward and build a name for yourself in the field of language assessment. This program is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of language learning while being compensated for your academic endeavors.

Emerging Researcher Grant Program

The Emerging Researcher Grant Program is specifically designed for graduate students who are currently engaged in studies related to language assessment. We encourage you to apply if you are seeking funding and support to propel your research forward and build a name for yourself in the field of language assessment. This program is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of language learning while being compensated for your academic endeavors.

Established Researcher Grant Program
We invite experienced professionals employed at institutions of higher learning with specialties in language assessment and related fields to apply for our Established Researcher Grant Program. This program allows us to establish partnerships with seasoned experts who can contribute valuable insight to our ongoing projects. If you have a significant track record in the field and are looking to impact the future of language education on a global scale, come join us.

Established Researcher Grant Program

We invite experienced professionals employed at institutions of higher learning with specialties in language assessment and related fields to apply for our Established Researcher Grant Program. This program allows us to establish partnerships with seasoned experts who can contribute valuable insight to our ongoing projects. If you have a significant track record in the field and are looking to impact the future of language education on a global scale, come join us.

Potential Areas of Research

01.

Validity and Reliability of Current ITSC Products

02.

Challenges in Test Development and Validation: Exploring methodologies and best practices in the creation and evaluation of assessments to ensure reliability and validity

03.

Best Practices for Test Preparation: Investigating effective strategies and resources that aid learners in preparing for assessments

04.

Consequences of Proficiency Testing: Examining the effects on individuals and systems that result from the use of assessments

05.

Technological Innovations in Testing: Studying the integration and impact of technology in the creation, administration, and scoring of tests

06.

Effectiveness of Different Assessment Formats: Comparative analysis of oral, written, and integrated assessments in measuring language proficiency

07.

Adaptive Testing Methods: Researching ways to implement dynamic testing components that respond to test takers' responses, challenging the depth and breadth of test-taker proficiency and improving score accuracy

08.

Cultural and Linguistic Appropriateness: Investigating how assessments can be designed to be culturally and linguistically inclusive, reducing biases that may affect test takers from diverse backgrounds

09.

Psychometric Techniques in New Test Formats: Exploring advanced statistical methods and theories in the development of innovative testing formats

10.

Artificial Intelligence in Assessment: Studying the applications of AI for automating test creation, administration, and scoring, as well as its ethical implications

11.

Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement: Analyzing the relationship between language proficiency and academic success in various educational contexts

12.

Cross-Linguistic Influence on Assessment: Investigating how a learner’s first language knowledge influences their performance on second language assessments
Procedure

Step 1: Submission of Proposal

Interested researchers submit a detailed research proposal outlining their research objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, implications, timeline, and budget. You can access the proposal submission materials here.

Step 2: Review Process

Proposals are reviewed by our internal review board.

Step 3: Notification

Applicants are notified of the proposal’s acceptance or rejection. Accepted applicants will be provided with details of the grant amount offered and of any requested adjustments to the proposal.

Step 4: Research Phase

Proposed studies are carried out within the agreed-upon timeframe.

Step 5: Reporting

Periodic status updates and a final report are provided to ITSC.

Step 6: Write-up and Dissemination

Manuscripts are submitted for consideration to a peer-reviewed journal and for presentation at a relevant conference.
Award Value

Each selected Emerging Researcher will receive a grant of up to $5,000, depending on the scope and needs of the research. Projects led by Established Researchers may receive grants of up to $20,000.
Eligibility

To qualify for the Emerging Researcher’s Grant Program, applicants should be currently enrolled in a graduate program and should be either master's or PhD students at an institution of higher learning and obtaining a degree in a discipline closely related to language learning, teaching, or assessment.

To qualify for the Established Researcher’s Grant Program, applicants should be faculty at an institution of higher learning with prior publications and a specialty in a field related to language assessment.
Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Relevance and significance to product evaluation and development

Clarity and feasibility of research objectives and methodology

Impact potential

Qualifications and experience of applicant(s)

Project proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Research and Development Team

Our research and development team consists of a diverse and highly skilled group of researchers, editors, and reviewers, holding doctoral degrees in linguistics, education, literacy, and data analysis from some of the world’s top universities. Their expertise enables them to tackle the multifaceted challenges of creating effective language proficiency evaluation tools that meet the needs of all stakeholders. To do so, the team draws upon a deep understanding of language acquisition theories, cultural nuances, and the evolving needs of language learners across proficiency levels. These experts collaborate to design and refine assessments that are both reliable and valid, ensuring that our tools accurately capture a learner's ability and readiness for specialized work environments or advanced study.

In pursuit of innovation, the team explores cutting-edge technologies to improve test content and streamline the evaluation process. A strong emphasis is also placed on fairness and inclusivity while working to create assessments for a wide range of learner populations. Through ongoing collaboration, the team ensures that the tools they develop are aligned with the latest pedagogical approaches and effectively address the practical needs of test takers. Ultimately, their work seeks to contribute to the advancement of second language acquisition by providing scientifically sound, relevant, and responsive assessments.