[Trainer-talk] Research Study

[Laitusis, Cara J]

Educational Testing Services (ETS) is conducting a research study designed to examine a computer-based test delivery platform that was developed to meet the needs of students with visual impairments. This projected is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, IES, of the US Department of Education. The purpose of this study is to help researchers identify any issues with the testing platform or administration in preparation for a field test of the testing platform in 2013. The goal of this research is to create a fully functional platform for state assessments used for accountability purposes that is appropriate for students with visual impairments. 

At this time we are looking for teachers with students in grades 8 to 11 who are braille readers to participate in the study. The testing involves the individual administration of students reading 7 passages and answering 7 reading comprehension questions for each passage using the computer-based testing platform.  The following features are included in the test platform: magnification, keystroke navigation, refreshable braille output, braille keyboard input of responses, and an audio presentation of item content. 

To participate as a test administrator you must be able to test at least one student who reads with braille at the 8th grade level or higher. We expect that the test may take up to 3 hours to administer and you may conduct the test in two sessions. As a thank you, students who participate in this pilot test will each be given a $20 gift card. You will receive an honorarium in the amount of $100 per student tested for your work facilitating the administration and providing feedback to researchers. 

We are very hopeful that you are willing to help us with this important study. If you are interested in participating in the study or have any questions, please contact Carlos Cavalie by October 12th at ccavalie at ets.org or 609-734-1398. Please feel free to forward this request to teachers you believe may be interested in participating in this study and please excuse cross list postings of this announcement.

In addition ETS researchers will be conducting other research studies with blind and low vision students in grades 3-11.  If you are interested in participating in these studies please let us know. 

Cara Laitusis

Senior Research Scientist
Center for Validity Research, MS 09R
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-734-1347
http://www.ets.org/research/topics/assessing_people_with_disabilities