Computer adaptive testing, synthesized speech, voice recognition this project will develop a computer administered standardized achievement testing (CASAT) system for students with disabilities. Using this system instead of current procedures requiring administration by a certified teacher or psychologist will significantly reduce testing costs for special education programs. The CASAT system will provide a more valid and reliable assessment methodology for special education students. It will let teachers preset program options to match the presentation of questions to the student's special visual, hearing, and motor disabilities and preferences. It will include options for digital and synthesized multi-gender speech, voice recognition, mouse, touch screen and keyboard control, word highlighting, and background contrast. It will select item questions from a standardize s item bank so the student finds each question challenging but not frustrating. Finally, it will relate overall performance to national norms, and also show student performance on key achievement goals. The project will also develop prototype item types designed to use the computer's capability. It will develop constructed-response items designed to give both diagnostic and achievement information, matching items, close items, and the required scoring procedures and rubrics. Finally, the project will assess the effectiveness of the CASAT system based on the responses of special education teachers and students.Results:Phase I and II of this project will produce the CASAT system which will assist the determination of eligibility and assess achievement growth of special education students. Currently, achievement testing costs approximately $85 per student when administered by a certified teacher or psychologist. The CASAT system will provide a more valid and reliable assessment, faster turn-around of results, and more in-depth reports for approximately $10 per student. We believe the flexibility and cost effectiveness of the CASAT system will ake it attractive to special education programs. Using the estimate of 4.5 million special education students nationwide, the CASAT system will provide potential savings of more than $335 million annually to American special education school programs while creating a potential market of $45 million dollars in annual sales.
