Chapter 4 Testing with Computers and Testing Special Populations

Computerized Testing Used for: Test Development Test Development Test Administration Test Administration Test Scoring and Interpretation Test Scoring and Interpretation

Test Development Test Banks - large number of M/C, T/F, matching, short-answer, and essay questions. Software programs often accompany textbooks. Helps construct more valid exams. Helps construct more valid exams.

Test Administration Some computerized tests are identical to the pencil-paper versions. Some computerized tests are identical to the pencil-paper versions. Others are adaptive tests – tests made up of questions chosen from a large test bank to match the skills and ability level of the test taker. Test takers start off with the same questions and then, depending how the person answers, the questions change. Others are adaptive tests – tests made up of questions chosen from a large test bank to match the skills and ability level of the test taker. Test takers start off with the same questions and then, depending how the person answers, the questions change. Adaptive tests provide a fuller profile of the person in a shorter period of time. Adaptive tests provide a fuller profile of the person in a shorter period of time.

Test Scoring and Interpretation Can often purchase computerized scoring program that save time and money. Can often purchase computerized scoring program that save time and money.

Advantages of Computerized Testing 1. Efficient 2. Convenient scheduling 3. Administered individually & comfortably 4. Eliminate human error 5. More technologically advanced testing procedures 6. Easier to test handicapped persons 7. Can be administered in an adaptive format 8. Decrease errors in scoring

Disadvantages of Computerized Testing 1. Unfair to computer-illiterate and computer-phobic test takers 2. Racial and sex discrimination 3. Can compromise psychometric quality of tests 4. Unfair to older test takers 5. Discriminate against the handicapped 6. Interpretations are canned and may not apply to everyone 7. Prohibit using pencil-an-paper test taking strategies 8. Not psychometrically equivalent to pencil-and- paper counterparts

Testing the Physically and Mentally Handicapped Types of Impairments: Sensory impairments – deafness, blindness Sensory impairments – deafness, blindness Motor impairments – paralysis, missing limbs, cerebral palsy Motor impairments – paralysis, missing limbs, cerebral palsy Cognitive impairments – mental retardation, learning disabilities, TBI Cognitive impairments – mental retardation, learning disabilities, TBI

Laws Protecting Persons with Handicaps Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (just revised) Require testing accommodations and proper test interpretation Require testing accommodations and proper test interpretation

Testing Students with Learning Disabilities LD students have no visible sign of their disability 3 broad categories: 1. Developmental Speech or Language Disorders 2. Academic Skills Disorders 3. “Other”

ADHD Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Characterized by excessive daydreaming and distraction not considered a learning disability. Characterized by excessive daydreaming and distraction not considered a learning disability. Often accompanies academic skills disorders Often accompanies academic skills disorders

What To Do? Both teachers and students can appropriately accommodate for disorders so that students with disabilities end up performing very well in academic settings.