Researchers from Northwestern University and the American Institutes for Research have released a summary brief of their recent studies on the implementation and impact of accessibility features in digital assessments. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, the project was led by Principal Investigator Dr. Burhan Ogut, with Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Michelle Yin and Dr. Ruhan Circi. Their studies, leveraging 2017 process data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), sheds light on the actual use and impact of these features on student performance, with an emphasis on students with disabilities.
Key Findings:
- Accessibility features like text-to-speech and equation editors are underutilized and do not consistently enhance student performance, indicating a gap between availability and effective use.
- Familiarity with accessibility features, gained through preparatory tutorials, is linked to improved outcomes in subsequent assessments.
- The study highlights the digital divide, showing that students with limited access to technology or broadband are at risk of falling further behind in digital assessment environments.
Implications for Policy and Practice:
The results call for a reassessment of digital accessibility tools within educational curricula. “Our research provides critical insights that should guide the evolution of digital assessments to better serve all students, especially those with disabilities,” stated Dr. Ogut. The study suggests enhancing educator training, simplifying digital assessment interfaces, and reevaluating the provision of features like extended time.
Addressing the digital divide is also paramount. “Ensuring equitable access to technology is essential for leveling the playing field,” added Dr. Yin.
Moving Forward:
The research team advocates for ongoing innovation and research to further refine digital assessment technologies. This will help educational systems develop more equitable environments and enable students to more fully demonstrate their capabilities.
Contact Information:
To read the full summary brief, click here..
For more information or to discuss the findings, please contact: Dr. Michelle Yin at michelle.yin@northwestern.edu and Dr. Burhan Ogut at bogut@air.org.