Computer Testing as a Form of Accommodation for English Language Learners

This study compared performance of both English language learners (ELLs) and non-ELL students in Grades 4 and 8 under accommodated and nonaccommodated testing conditions. The accommodations used in this study included a computerized administration of a math test with a pop-up glossary, a customized English dictionary, extra testing time, and small-group testing. Extra time and small-group testing were included only for Grade 4 students. A reading latent composite score was used as a covariate. Results indicated that computer testing was the most effective accommodation in providing valid and accessible assessments for ELL students for both Grades 4 and 8. It is an alternative test item delivery and an easy-to-access gloss of non-math lexicon. This accommodation did not impact the validity of assessments.