Activities:
Definition Panel

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Definition Panel at Work

One of NARAP's first activities was to select its Definition Panel, the group of people with extensive expertise who will assist in defining the construct of "reading proficiency." The Definition Panel met on January 29, 2005 to start the formulation of a definition that can be used as a basis for research and development for accessible large-scale assessments of reading proficiency that (consistent with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) provide:

• a valid measure of proficiency against high academic standards; and
• individual interpretive, descriptive, and diagnostic reports for a full range of students with disabilities that affect reading.

The draft definition will be given extensive exposure so that NARAP can gauge public opinion and reactions to the definition. Focus groups are being conducted throughout the spring with a variety of groups to ensure that diverse perspectives weigh in on the definition.