Making Tests

So my least favorite thing to do as a teacher is to make tests!  I do not feel confident at all in making them.  I'm never really sure if I'm testing what my students really know.  I try to use this test generator that comes with the textbooks.  They never have good questions because I use the textbook like a reference book.  So, that means that I have to come up with my own questions.

Earlier this semester I went to a professional development day on "How to write a test that would be closest to the state test given at the end of the year."  (You know your jealous!)  However, this just weakened my confidence even more!  I know the rules the test makers follow, but this nagging in my head says that I'm not doing it right. 

I've almost given up on tests and gone to authentic assessments only.  More rubrics are in my future!  But semester tests are coming up quick and I have to make a HUGE test to give and I want it to help my students' grades, not hurt them.