Validity Issues and Decisions About Testing Accommodations

Abstract

This article advocates the use of a decision-making flowchart to help understand whether the proposed test alteration(s) is an accommodation or a modification. If the proposed alteration is not listed in state guidelines, the flowchart directs the IEP team to identify (a) the purpose of the test and (b) the consequences of the scores so that the team is specifying the parameters of any validity arguments. Next, the IEP team must decide whether the proposed setting, presentation, or response alteration (a) changes the measured construct(s), (b) is based upon need versus benefit, (c) produces differential outcomes for various groups or individuals, and (d) generates different judgments. Finally, utilizing empirical outcomes the team decides whether the proposed alteration more closely resembles an accommodation or a modification. Research reviews regarding setting, presentation, and response alterations are also presented that may provide IEP teams with some empirical guidance.