RESEARCH

The project is divided into six activities to achieve the project outcome of developing a strong foundation upon which to build an alternate assessment of English language proficiency for English Learners (ELs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Each activity has its own objective that builds on the overall goal.

The key activities of this project include the following:

1. Developing an Individual Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ) that will be administered in participating states
   • The ICQ will be used to gather key information about the characteristics of ELs with significant cognitive disabilities, including the technology-based tools that they may use to access everyday instruction.
   • Related publications: ICQ Recruitment Flyer (PDF) & Characteristics of English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Report (PDF)

2. Observing and interviewing educators who work with ELs with significant cognitive disabilities
   • These classroom observations and interviews will provide information about instructional and assessment strategies for this population of students that can inform the development of the assessment.
   • Related publications: Classroom Perspectives Report (PDF)

3. Prioritizing which English language proficiency (ELP) standards will be included in the assessment blueprint
   • The project will conduct a consensus-building process with state representatives and technical advisory committee members to decide which ELP standards should be used for item template development purposes.
   • Related publications: Standards Prioritization Evaluation Report (PDF)

4. Developing templates for innovative items based on existing ELP standards
   • The items will be designed to be compatible with students’ assistive technology devices, as well as with other technology tools students may use in the classroom, to accurately assess the receptive and expressive English language development of ELs with significant cognitive disabilities and provide valid assessment results and interpretations.
   • Related publications: Item Templates Report (PDF)

5. Maintaining formal collaboration between partners
   • The team will create a template for a Request for Proposals (RFP) that states can use at the completion of the project to continue the work of developing the ALTELLA.
   • Related publications: Developing a Request for Proposals Report (PDF) & RFP Toolkit (by Center for Assessment)

6. Disseminating project findings for feedback
   • Results will be shared at national conferences and within publications to gain formative feedback on grant activities and move forward.
   • Go to Resources to access all reports, tools, and presentations