Components of Valid Learning Media Assessments.

BLINDNESS; ACADEMIC accommodations; SPECIAL education; RESEARCH evaluation; RESEARCH methodology; LEARNING strategies; TEST validity; CONCEPTUAL structures; TEACHERS; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; VISION disorders; TECHNOLOGY; BRAILLE; READING; DELPHI method; EVALUATION

Introduction: The learning media assessment (LMA) process is the mechanism professionals use to determine a student's optimal learning and reading media. Currently, no tool has been validated for the purpose of conducting the LMA process. Methods: A Delphi approach was used whereby a panel of identified experts in the LMA process went through iterative phases recommending items to be included in the LMA process and voting on keeping, changing, or deleting items until a final list of agreed upon items was established. Results: At the completion of five rounds of voting and amending items, the final list of agreed upon items included 2 general goals, 66 items, and 18 acceptable modifications to the LMA process. The items to be included in an LMA process were categorized into logistical items to be noted (9 items), LMA procedural characteristics (11 items), materials to be used (2 items), information to be gathered (20 items), student medical/visual characteristics (8 items), student reading or academic characteristics (10 items), and student technology and literacy tool use (6 items). Eighteen acceptable modifications or adjustments that could be made to assessment procedures were also agreed upon. Discussion: The framework of what is critical in the LMA process, as shown in this Delphi study, can be used to assess the validity of LMA tools. Implications for Practitioners: Practitioners can use the framework built by this Delphi process to evaluate the validity of LMA tools they use. Practitioners can assess the tools they use by asking if all the validated content areas are addressed, if validated procedures are being followed, and if validated accommodations are in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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