Here we will look at some of the broad issues that relate to assessment of reading performance for pupils with visual impairment and how their performance relates to pupils who are fully sighted.
Expert view...
Begin with this video clip in which Professor Graeme Douglas, introduces the topic of the assessment of reading for learners with visual impairment.
Select this link for a transcript of the video clip.The transcript opens in a new window.
Professor Graeme Douglas is Co-director of the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research and Head of the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs at the School of Education, University of Birmingham.
If you'd like a written summary of Graeme's main points select 'reveal'.
The feedback will appear directly after the reveal button.
Expert view...
Now listen to this clip, in which Graeme outlines some of the needs of pupils with VI in the area of literacy media.
Select this link for a transcript of the video clip.The transcript opens in a new window.
If you'd like a written summary of some of the needs of children with VI select 'reveal'.
The feedback will appear directly after the reveal button.
Measuring pupils' reading speeds is a key element in Learning Media Assessment.
In the second of the two clips that follow,Graeme talks about the increasing practice in mainstream classrooms of assessing the reading performance of VI pupils against standards developed for fully sighted children.
Thinkabout...
Before listening you may want to think about where you stand on such comparisons.
Expert view...
Begin by listening to Graeme talking about the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA) a standardised reading test particularly relevant to pupils with VI and about his research into the effects of visual impairment on reading performance.
Select this link for a transcript of the video clip.
Graeme mentions that the standardised NARA norms for low vision readers are available online. The Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA) adapted for braille users can be obtained from the VICTAR website.
Expert view...
Now listen to Graeme talking about possible future developments in this area.
Select this link for a transcript of the video clip.The transcript opens in a new window.
Expert view...
Listen to Graeme talk through some of the available data.
Select this link for a transcript of the video clip.
You may want to pause the section of the clip where Graeme is talking about the graph and consider these questions:
Graeme identifies reading rate as a critical factor in the academic success of children with visual impairment. Reading speed and reading stamina can be key elements in determining the appropriate learning medium or media for children with low vision.
For more information on this topic have a look at this excerpt from the RNIB literature review.
Task...
Use the graph of reading speeds and see if you can answer the following questions.
Decide whether the following statements are true or false. When you have made your choice select 'check' for some feedback.
If you would like to develop a more in-depth understanding of assessing braille and other aspects of teaching literacy through braille, you may wish to consider applying for a place on the VIEW course; 'Effective Teaching of Literacy through Braille'.