Introduction to the Special Section “Lingering Impact of COVID‐19 on Educational Measurement”

It was April of 2021. My son, Timothy, and I drove to a nearby city for him take college admission test. The test center closest our home had quickly filled up due reduced capacity (for social distancing) increased demand. Securing seat at testing half an hour away seemed be luxury, considering the circumstances. This good enough reason neither us complain about lack sleep. After dropping Timothy off, decided wait in parking lot center. brought book with me excited this excuse brief break from busyness life enjoy some quiet time while reading. not too far along my reading when looked saw returning car. “Wow. Time really flies you're enjoying book,” thought. However, realized that would probably longer than few pages book. getting into car, son explained door locked never opened small group other students waiting Apparently, closed, but received any notifications closure. We were later told email closure been dispersed; however, no one particular test-takers email. is just example how COVID-19 has impact on lives those around me. Since World Health Organization (WHO) declared pandemic March 11, 2020, world it represents dramatically disrupted. Events have canceled; restaurants closed; cities down; list goes on. educational measurement spared. For example, exams schools research studies delayed. EM:IP published special section field Fall 2020 issue. then, so much changed. encouraging statistics vaccines initially hope global disaster end soon. hope, shattered pieces new variants detected after another. What we know, now, there are more existence most frequently discussed Alpha, Delta, Omicron variants. do know whether letters Greek alphabet account present future COVID-19. When planning section, design cover graphic complement subject-matter. Initially, going portray rearview mirror signal leaving behind continuing journey ahead. idea out touch reality. Yes, disruption two years old, still seen tunnel. finally settled “Turning Page.” coronavirus may disappear soon (or all), should ready move forward. Now data lingering COVID-19, authors (who spread across three continents) speculate different aspects measurement. Some discuss admissions inequalities—hot topic issues before exacerbated by pandemic. Others share their thoughts experiences related changes assessments, licensure exams, certification exams. Still, others longitudinal analysis meta-analysis. Online or remote assessment continues great interest, as shown several authors. Lastly, disrupted inevitable, especially during Two articles decision-making using data. you find interesting thought-provoking. also Bennett's title suggests, can look “The Good Side COVID-19.”