Examining provision and sufficiency of testing accommodations for English learners

Accommodations are commonly provided to address language-related barriers students may experience during testing. Research on the validity of scores from accommodated test administrations remains somewhat inconclusive. The current study investigated item response patterns to understand whether accom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of testing 2021-01, Vol.21 (1), p.32-55
Main Authors: Roschmann, Sarina, Witmer, Sara E., Volker, Martin A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Barriers
Cognitive Ability
Comparative Analysis
Culture Fair Tests
differential item functioning (DIF)
Educational Practices
Educational tests & measurements
English (Second Language)
English as a second language
English as a second language learning
English Language Learners
English learners
Goodness of Fit
Item Response Theory
Measurement
Reference Groups
Scores
Second Language Learning
Test accommodations
Test Items
Test scores
Test Validity
Test validity and reliability
Testing Accommodations
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Summary:Accommodations are commonly provided to address language-related barriers students may experience during testing. Research on the validity of scores from accommodated test administrations remains somewhat inconclusive. The current study investigated item response patterns to understand whether accommodations, as used in practice among English learners (ELs) in the United States, allow for comparable measurement between ELs and non-ELs. Results indicated that although significant differences are evident in overall test scores for ELs and non-ELs, only minimal measurement concerns were evident. Very few items displayed moderate or large differential item functioning (DIF); no tests showed small, medium, or large differential test functioning. The current study adds to existing literature on measurement comparability and accommodation research on ELs; implications for practice are provided.
ISSN:1530-5058
1532-7574
DOI:10.1080/15305058.2021.1884872