[NIFL-ESL:9681] Re: BEST test and enlargement

From: Kroeger, Miriam (MKroege@ade.az.gov)
Date: Wed Dec 03 2003 - 14:50:12 EST


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From: "Kroeger, Miriam" <MKroege@ade.az.gov>
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Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9681] Re: BEST test and enlargement
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The trainer from CAL admonished us about making any modifications.  I think we might need the advice of a psychometrist who deals with validity and realiability.  What things can be done that do not impact the v & r of a test?  

-Miriam Kroger
Arizona




-----Original Message-----
From: pruett said [mailto:said@ameritech.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 1:43 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9672] Re: BEST test and enlargement


When you say you were told you couldn't enlarge the graphics on the BEST
test , does that mean you also can't enlarge the printed words? Who told you
this, and what was their reasoning? I'm surprised because when I worked with
a sight-impaired student in one of my classes I was told by the office that
deals with disabilities that one of the things I should be doing is
enlarging the print and graphics. This was for a person who had a documented
sight impairment. But I find even with my reading glasses on that it is
sometimes difficult to read some of the print on the BEST test, and we have
discussed enlarging it since many of our students are at that age where
reading glasses are a necessity and we have had complaints.  Plus I don't
understand the logic of not enlarging it since if the point is to see if the
student can read English, what difference does size make?

Terry Pruett-Said
ESL teacher
Michigan

> In addition to validity and reliability, we also have to look at
manageability, training and cost factors.  Additionally, how do these tests
match up for "special needs"?  We were told we could not enlarge any of the
graphics on the BEST, yet, phone books certainly have larger type now than
in the 70's.
>
> We are certainly on the look out for assessments that better reflect what
we are teaching in our classes.
>
> -Miriam Kroeger
> Arizona
>



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