I think that it is very important to come up with alternative methods of assessment for the student in question. It is impossible for them to demonstrate their knowledge of the material if they can't even read your test. How can you assess their learning if you cannot get passed their reading difficulties?
I believe that the sciences are an area where authentic assessments and other, less reading focused alternatives are readily available and easy to use. It would definitely be possible to incorporate a project or a lab into the evaluative process more often if that was more effective. Another option would be having somebody read the test to them so that they no longer are required to read it. For that matter, you could have them dictate their answers as well if they also had difficulties with writing.
Assistive technologies are great in this situation because they allow the students to work independently. Give them a program that can dictate the test to them and another that recognizes their speech patterns. You could create a test that asks questions and shows a visual on the computer screen. It is also possible to create a test where they can read it on the computer and if they get stuck, they click a button to have the question read to them. This means that there is room for them to be successful on the test and they can work on improving their reading ability.
All told, science is about teaching the principles and theories. Reading is an important aspect of being successful in these fields in the future, but that is something that they need to learn in addition to what you are teaching them. As such, your objective should be what you assess and you cannot do that unless you come up with creative methods for accommodating their disability.
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ReplyDeleteI like your idea about using other forms of assessments. However, these students will still be tested in the spring using the standard methods. Most of the time, these students will not be allowed a person to dictate or relate the information to them. How are you going to prepare your students for these tests?
I also agree about using other forms of assessments. Either that or there should be special accommodations or adjustments made. It's just not quite fair if there aren't...
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lynn in that every student in your classroom would have to take the SOLs in spring. They will need a good test taking skill or some sort of literacy skill to take the exam. If student is identified under IDEA, that student will have some accommodations, but other than that, there wouldn't be any chance of opting out from the test.
ReplyDeleteI thought of something when you mentioned using labs as assessment. Obviously, this is a good idea. I just wanted to add that it might be a good idea to ask simply worded questions about the labs on the test. This can help students with a variety of difficulties because they can draw from specific experiences.
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