• assess a specific Core Learning Goal and Indicator
• use precise action verbs and descriptive words
• require the application of critical thinking skills and avoid simple recall
• avoid advocating a particular value that may not be common to all students
• use appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure
• avoid problems of bias and sensitivity
• use the approved stimulus in a meaningful way
• vary in structure from each other
• contain parallel answer options

The items should be free from geographic, socioeconomic, religious, gender, and linguistic bias.

The items should not include:

• Emotionally charged content
• Offensive content
• Unnecessarily controversial topics
• References to inappropriate behaviors
• Words with suggestive meanings