Norm-reference Test
According to Overton, norm-referenced assessments are tests that measure a student’s performance and compares to the performance of other same-age college students on the same assessment. As such, these types of assessments are forms of standardized checking out that compares the normal skill levels of a college students to those of students of the same age. From this comparison, this kind of assessment helps in determining the degree to which a specific student is behind or ahead of the norm.
Accommodations for college students with disability
Accommodations are alterations in the way an instructor presents or a scholar takes tasks to allow students with disabilities entire the same tasks as other students. According to Overton (153), college students who participate in the normal education curriculum with little difficulty do not require often do not require accommodations for high-stakes testing. Students who require accommodation in the special education or general education are also likely to require accommodation in high-stakes testing. The accommodations are important in preventing the instructor from measuring the students’ disability, and instead develop a more accurate assessment for the students’ progress (Overton 153). Overton suggests various accommodations for students with disability in high-stakes testing. They include:
Changes in test format;
The test format can be changed suit the capacity of the disabled students to read and understand. The tests could be changed to Biraille edition audiotaped questions.
Using aids
The disabled student could require specialized equipment or technology to complete the tasks. Instructors should be in a position to avail such equipment or technology.
Providing assistance during the assessment
Instructors dealing with a disabled student should assist the student in performing some tasks such as turning pages and recording responses. The instructor could also allow the disabled student’s special education teacher to administer the tests.
Setting
The setting of the assessment should suit the special needs of the disabled students. Setting includes aspects such as specialized equipment, acoustics, and lighting.
Scheduling
The testing schedules for the disabled students could be slightly different from those of normal students. For instance, the instructor could extend the time for the tests or carry out the tests over several days.
a. Providing assistance prior to administering the tests
Prior assistance is important in familiarizing the disabled students with aspects such as test formats and test-related procedures or behavior.
b. Motivation
Some students with disability could work best with extrinsic motivators such as the use of verbal praises.
Issues and concerns of the statewide assessment
A wide range of research shows numerous issues and concerns of the statewide assessment of students with disability. Some of the issues include:
1. Difficulty in developing alternatives.
Perner raised the concern that it is difficult for the government and learning institutions to develop alternate assessments. Governments would require more time to develop alternative means of assessing disabled students.
2. The conceptual understanding or the nature and purpose of the assessment
Chin-Chance, Jenkins, and Gronna argued that disabled students are often excluded from normal national norming procedures, yet the statewide assessment compares them with national samples to determine their progress. Students with disabilities are expected to differ from the established national norms, therefore, it is not logical to compare them with these national norms through statewide assessment.
3. Control of learning
Statewide assessment helps instructors to target and individualize their instructions. Yen raised concerns with this concept because it makes students who have difficulties in academics or dislike teaching feel more in control of their own learning.
Work Cited
Overton, Terry. Assessing Learners with Special Needs an Applied Approach: Myeducationlab Pegasus+ Pearson... Prentice Hall, 2011.
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