Test Accessibility and Density Expectations

The Test Specifications Accessibility Framework for LEP Students is used to guide the development of assessments and to evaluate whether the accessibility work which has been done during development is adequate.

The Accessibility Matrix demonstrates how each item in a test form is made accessible through a combination of the item presentation, the test administration conditions, and the response conditions.

The Matrix guides the accessibility success of the development work discussed later in this Guide.

Once matrices are completed for a new or pre-built test, for each content area and grade, they will be used to evaluate the adequacy of accessible test coverage during test development or the selection of an off-the-shelf test.

While it is unreasonable to assume that all items will have visuals or perform as expected, agencies responsible for the development or selection of the assessment should expect that all students will be able to access virtually all the items.

It is important for test developers to set density expectations prior to developing tests or selecting final test forms.

The key facts from the text above include the importance of density expectations and the key factors that should be considered when setting them.