Reimaging Accommodations: A Review of the Literature and Future Considerations for Text to Speech

• In Event: Inclusion and Accessibility in Educational Assessment SIG (#96) Paper Session

Abstract

This study examined the research on the text to speech read aloud accommodation. This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to identify, select, appraise and synthesize studies. Findings included that many studies fail to identify the type of read aloud offered. Text-to-speech is effective in boosting students with disabilities performance, improves reading comprehension and is associated with high levels of social validity. Specific recommendations and text-to-speech features considered for future research include speech speed, text highlighting, and intensity as well as user tracking (e.g., length of use, user preferences, defining what is read) of text-to-speech. Accommodations research and assessment design must consider universal design principles to achieve fair and valid assessments.

Author

• Melissa L. Gholson, Educational Testing Service