Behind the scores: in search of the predictive validity of O-NET scores to academic achievement of English major students

O-NET is a high-stakes test evaluating academic performance of students. This study places emphasis on the role of O-NET in foreign language (English) as being a gate-keeper, the score considered along with the applications are implemented as a requirement for admission. Based on the assumption that the score of the test provides meaningful inferences on the test-takers’ language ability, appropriate score is set with the assumption that the test-takers with particular score will have sufficient language proficiency to study in a program. This study investigated the relationship between O-NET scores and academic achievements, its predictive validity and lecturers’ attitudes towards O-NET scores and recruiting students. The samples were the O-NET scores in foreign language (English) from academic years 2010 to 2014 and academic achievements. Nine participants were purposively selected to participate in the semi-structured interview. The results demonstrated that the O-NET score was related to academic achievements and could predict academic achievements of English major students. Moreover, the participants believed that the O-NET was an effective instrument for recruiting students to English major program.