Accessibility of Computer-Based Testing for Individuals with Disablities and English Language Learners within a Validity Framework

There is a great need for designers of computer-based tests and testing systems to build accessibility into their designs from the earliest stages, thereby overcoming barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and English language learners. Some important potential accessibility features include text-to-speech, font enlargement and screen magnification, online dictionaries, and extended testing time. Yet accessibility features can, under some circumstances, undermine the validity of test results. Evidence 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB11533 INFORMATION SCIENCE PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Online Assessment and Measurement: Foundations and Challenges edited by Mary Hricko and Scott Howell, © 2006, Idea Group Inc. Accessibility of Computer-Based Testing for Individuals with Disabilities 215 Copyright © 2006, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. centered assessment design (ECD) is offered as a conceptual framework— providing sharable terminology, concepts, and knowledge representations— for representing and anticipating the impact of accessibility features on validity, thus helping weigh the consequences of potential design alternatives for accessible computer-based tests and testing systems.