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A State Guide to the Development of Universally Designed Assessments
The purpose of this guide is to provide states with strategies for developing universally designed assessments, including conceptualization and item construction; field testing; item reviews; statewide operation; and evaluation. Universal design for assessments is an approach to educational assessment based on principles of accessibility for a wide variety of end users. Elements of universal design include inclusive test population; precisely defined constructs; accessible, non-biased items; tests that are amenable to accommodations; simple, clear, and intuitive instructions and procedures; maximum readability and comprehensibility; and maximum legibility. The objective of this guide is to help create tests that present an accurate measure of the knowledge and skills of the diverse population of students enrolled in public schools.
This is a substantive, relevant, clearly outlined guide for state test directors, state departments of education, regional comprehensive centers (RCCs), and educators requiring a better understanding of the test development process and universal design features.