[Blindmath] [AERNet] XP: Request for input on free-response STEM assessments

[Sharon Clark]

Hello April,

I would have your student use the same modifications/adaptations in the
practice AP exam as she will use in the actual test.  There will be no
surprises if this happens.  If she knows how to use the AGC, is there a
reason why she would still use Wikki Stix to illustrate her answer?  

Sharon Clark, NJ TVI 

-----Original Message-----
From: aernet-bounces at lists.aerbvi.org
[mailto:aernet-bounces at lists.aerbvi.org] On Behalf Of April Gasper
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 10:26 AM
To: aernet at lists.aerbvi.org
Cc: blindmath at nfbnet.org
Subject: [AERNet] XP: Request for input on free-response STEM
assessments


Greetings All,
I have a Braille-reading student who will be taking the Advanced
Placement Physics test this year. One component of the assessment is
Free-Response, in which the student is required to show the processes
involved in getting the ultimate answer - instead of the typical
multiple-choice option - where creation of graphics are almost always
prevalent.

As the student is exposed to Practice AP Exams, the free-response
section is not an issue. She uses an accessible graphing calculator,
Wikki-Sticks, or other tactile device.

However, when the actual assessment is given, I foresee questions
arising in regards to the standardization of a response. Her final
product may include a computer-generated graph or a waxy representation
which is easily moved in transit. The use of a sighted assistant to copy
the answer into a "standardized" response leads to questions of
authenticity and interpretation.

I'm fairly sure I'm not the first person to come across this issue. Can
someone give me some insight on my best adaptation/modification?

April Gasper, TVI
Vision & Related Services
NNPS Spec. Ed. Dept.
12465 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23601
757/283-7853

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you
do. Attitude determines how well you do it. -- Raymond Chandler
Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. -
Malcolm Forbes The job of an educator is to teach students to see
vitality in themselves.  - Joseph Campbell Disability is not a barrier
to intellectual productivity.  - AAAS Entrypoint Our lives begin to end
the day we become silent about things that matter.  - Martin Luther
King, Jr.

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