About Us

Goals
Collaborators
Background Overview
Priority
Frequently Asked Questions

Goals

Four research and development goals guide the work of the NARAP projects:

1. Formulate a definition of the construct of "reading proficiency." The definition is to provide a basis for research and development for accessible large-scale tests of reading proficiency that provide valid measures of proficiency against academic standards, and meaningful individual reports for the full range of students with disabilities that affect reading.
2. Conduct a program of research on the assessment of reading proficiency. The research is to determine the effects of various factors of test development, design, and administration on accessibility, validity, and comparability for students with disabilities that affect reading.
3. Develop research-based principles and guidelines for large-scale accessible reading assessments. The assessments are to be large-scale assessments of reading proficiency that are more accessible for students who have disabilities that affect reading.
4. Develop and field-test instruments or methods for assessing reading proficiency. The field test is to involve approaches suitable for large-scale administration for school accountability purposes; that are accessible to students who have disabilities that affect reading; that maintain validity and comparability of scores; and that can provide valid measures and individual reports for the full range of students with disabilities that affect reading.

The projects are working together on Goals 1, 3, and 4. Each project will design and implement its own program of research related to accessible reading assessment. This research will be based on the developed definition of reading proficiency.