Recent Disability Research Publications

Below you will find the latest research publications from ETS on assessing people with disabilities.

2011

• Adaptive Testing Options for Accountability Assessments
  C. C. Laitusis, L. L. Cook, H. M. Buzick, & E. A. Stone (2011)
  Chapter in M. Russell & M. Kavanaugh (Editors), Assessing Students in the Margins: Challenges, Strategies, and Techniques. Information Age Publishing

  This book chapter provides an overview of the implications of using a linear test format when measuring adequate yearly progress for certain students with disabilities; discusses the advantages and disadvantages of adaptive testing, particularly for students with disabilities; and provides an overview of testing options being explored and implemented.
  Learn more about the book on the publisher's website

2010

• Using Growth for Accountability: Measurement Challenges for Students with Disabilities and Recommendations for Research
  H. M. Buzick & C. C. Laitusis (2010)
  Educational Researcher, Vol. 39, pp. 537–544

  This article describes some of the challenges of measuring and modeling growth for students with disabilities. View the full abstract or order this report from the publisher. Read a synopsis of this and a related report in Issue 4 of ETS Research Spotlight.

• A Summary of Models and Standards-Based Applications for Grade-to-Grade Growth on Statewide Assessments and Implications for Students with Disabilities
  H. M. Buzick & C. C. Laitusis (2010)
  ETS Research Report RR-10-14

  This paper summarizes models and approaches that use individual student test scores from multiple years to determine adequate yearly progress, conduct research on individual growth trajectories, and evaluate the contributions that teachers and schools make to student learning. View the full abstract or download this report. Read a synopsis of this and a related report in Issue 4 of ETS Research Spotlight.

• An Assessment-for-Learning System in Mathematics for Individuals with Visual Impairment
  E. G. Hansen, V. J. Shute, & S. Landau (2010)
  Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Vol. 104, No. 5, pp. 275–286

  In this study, researchers examined the usability of an assessment-for-learning system that provides people with visual impairments with audio-tactile graphics for algebra content. View the full abstract or order this report from the publisher.

• Using Differential Item Functioning to Investigate the Impact of Testing Accommodations on an English-Language Arts Assessment for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
  E. Stone, L. Cook, C. C. Laitusis, & F. Cline (2010)
  Applied Measurement in Education, Vol. 23, No. 2

  In this validity study, researchers used differential item functioning to examine the results of a large-scale, state standards-based English language arts assessments at Grades 4 and 8. The studied groups included students without disabilities taking the standard version of the test and students who were blind or visually impaired taking a braille or large-print version. View the full abstract or order this report from the publisher

• Using Factor Analysis to Investigate Accommodations Used by Students with Disabilities on an English-Language Arts Assessment
  L. Cook, D. Eignor, Y. Sawaki, J. Steinberg, & F. Cline (2010)
  Applied Measurement in Education, Vol. 23, No. 2

  This study compared the underlying factors measured by a state standards-based Grade 4 English-language arts assessment given to several groups of students. View the full abstract or order this report from the publisher

• Examining the Impact of Audio Presentation on Tests of Reading Comprehension
  C. C. Laitusis (2010)
  Applied Measurement in Education, Vol. 23, No. 2

  This study examined the impact of a read-aloud accommodation on standardized test scores of reading comprehension at grades 4 and 8. View the full abstract or order this report from the publisher

2009

• Examining the Validity and Fairness of a State Standards-Based Assessment of English-Language Arts for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students
  J. Steinberg, F. Cline, G. Ling, L. Cook, & N. Tognatta (2009)
  Journal of Applied Testing Technology, Vol. 10, No. 2

  This study examines the appropriateness of a large-scale state standards-based English-Language Arts (ELA) assessment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. View the full abstract or download this report from the publisher

• Using Factor Analysis to Investigate the Impact of Accommodations on the Scores of Students with Disabilities on a Reading Comprehension Assessment
  L. Cook, D. Eignor, J. Steinberg, Y. Sawaki, & F. Cline (2009)
  Journal of Applied Testing Technology, Vol. 10, No. 2

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a read-aloud test change administered with the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test (GMRT) on the underlying constructs measured by the Comprehension subtest. View the full abstract or download this report from the publisher.

• Differential Item Functioning Comparisons on a Performance-Based Alternate Assessment for Students with Severe Cognitive Impairments, Autism and Orthopedic Impairments
  C. C. Laitusis, B. Maneckshana, L. Monfils, & L. Ahlgrim-Delzel (2009)
  Journal of Applied Testing Technology, Vol. 10, No. 2

  This study examined Differential Item Functioning by disability groups on an on-demand performance assessment for students with severe cognitive impairments. View the full abstract or download this report from the publisher

2008

• Evidence-Centered Assessment Design for Reasoning About Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities in NAEP Reading and Math
  E. G. Hansen, R. J. Mislevy, & L. S. Steinberg (2008)
  ETS Research Report RR-08-38

  This study describes recent extension of evidence-centered assessment design for reasoning about the impact of accommodations and other accessibility features (e.g., universal design features) on the validity of assessment results, using examples from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. View the full abstract or order this report.

• Large Scale Assessment and Accommodations: What Works?
  C. C. Laitusis & L. Cook (Eds.) (2007)
  Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children

  This book summarizes recent information on policies, practices, and research for accommodations in large-scale testing in grades K–12 and beyond. More than 25 leading researchers and practitioners contributed chapters. Read the full description or order this book from the publisher.