[Trainer-talk] ETS Research Study

[Laitusis, Cara J]

Dear Teachers,

Educational Testing Services (ETS) will be conducting a field test of a computer-based assessment of reading comprehension for braille readers. We would like to invite you and your students to participate in a research study designed to examine a computer-based test delivery platform which includes refreshable braille supports. The platform was developed by Measured Progress and funded by the US Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The purpose of this study is to help researchers identify any issues with the testing platform or administration.

At this time we are looking for teachers with students in grades 9 to 12 who are braille readers to participate in the study as test administrators. The testing involves the individual administration of two assessments to each student (one with paper braille and the other on computer).  Each assessment will include reading 4 short passages and answering a total of 28-30 test questions.   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 5 students who read with braille at the 7th grade level or higher. We expect that the tests 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 field test will each be given a $50 gift card.  As a test administrator you will receive:
*       An honorarium for your work (equivalent to $2000 for all tasks attending a 1-day training, testing all 5 students, and providing feedback after testing)
*       reimbursements for travel expenses associate with attending a 1-day training prior to administration, and
*       materials needed to test students (refreshable braille hardware and laptop) for the duration of the project (November-December 2013).

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 ASAP at ccavalie at ets.org<mailto:ccavalie at ets.org> or 609-734-1398. Please feel free to forward this to other teachers you believe may be interested in participating in this study.






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