English language testing

This paper chronicles the development of an English language test in Greece. The observations include data from surveys of school owners, instructors, Greek test item reviewers, students, and parents. The focus in the analysis is on how both the internal (psychometric and content) characteristics of the test and the circumstances surrounding its commission and use reflect major changes in the role that English is playing in the Greek context. The results show the importance of a complete understanding of the cultural context. We point out how intercultural sensitivities play out and can potentially derail a project such as the one described in this paper if intercultural issues are not adequately addressed.