Measuring learning is a critical part education. A comprehensive assessment system balances multiple assessment approaches to make sure that students, families, educators, and policymakers have sufficient information to make decisions that support individual learners and the educational process. Articulating accessibility and assistive technology (AT) accommodation requirements across assessment types can ensure that the system supports all learners. CITES uses the term assessment to include both formative assessment methods and district, state, and national standardized assessments. Together they compose a comprehensive and balanced assessment system.
The Center for Inclusive Technology in Education Systems (CITES) uses an iterative design-thinking process, in partnership with local districts, to identify and refine a set of promising practices that enhance assessments within an inclusive technology ecosystem.
Actions districts and educators can take to create an inclusive assessment system include:
- Select and procure accessible assessments.
- Design accessible formative assessments so all students can demonstrate what they know and are able to do.
- Collaborate with state testing coordinators.
- Analyze assessment data to make instructional, programmatic, and systemic decisions.