Use of Read-Aloud, Text-to-Speech, Human-Reader¶

What does it mean to use "read aloud" in assessment?¶

Read aloud is when some or all of an assessment is read aloud to a student by the computer or a trained human.

What is text-to-speech (TTS)?¶

TTS is the computer-embedded assistive technology that reads digital text aloud to a student during testing. On the VTCAP assessments, TTS is fully embedded in the computer-adaptive forms and reads all text in all subjects and for all grade levels.

Which students benefit from the use of TTS?¶

TTS is most helpful for students with visual impairments or for students who struggle with reading. Test administration should not be the first time a student is exposed to TTS. Students not exposed to TTS regularly in the classroom may be hindered by its use during testing.

For the VTCAP math and science assessments, TTS is classified as a designed support and is therefore available to all students. In ELA, TTS is classified as an accommodation and can only be used with students with an IEP or 504 plan that documents the need for the accommodation.

Can a human reader be used instead of TTS?¶

For most students, TTS is the preferred read-aloud method. In rare cases, a human reader may be used with students with IEP or 504 plans only. Students who have a documented accommodation for a read-aloud method and a paper-based test will need a human reader. In addition, some students have a read-aloud accommodation that specifically calls for a human reader.

All human readers must take the test administrator training and sign a non-disclose agreement.  Human readers must adhere to the read-aloud protocol. Use of a human reader requires a secure test environment where the assessments can be administered one-on-one. Human readers cannot deliver the read-aloud protocol to more than one student at a time. For more information about the use of human readers contact aoe.statewideassessment@vermont.gov

Why is TTS classified differently in math and science than in English language arts?¶

TTS is classified as a designed support in math and science and as an accommodation in English language arts (ELA). Designated supports are available to all students, accommodations are reserved for students with IEP or 504 plans documenting the need for the accommodation.

TTS is classified as a designed support in math and science because its use does not alter the construct being measured and therefore does not affect how a student's score is interpreted. In other words, the math and science tests are not designed to measure a student's ability to read, so the use of a read-aloud method does not alter what is being measured or how the resulting score should be interpreted. As such, TTS is available to all students in math and science.

In contrast, TTS is classified as an accommodation in ELA and its use does alter the construct being measured and therefore does affect how a student's score is interpreted. In other words, sections of the ELA tests are designed to measure a student's ability to read, so the use of a read-aloud method alters what is being measured and how the resulting score is interpreted. As such, TTS in ELA is only available to students with a documented need for the accommodation in their IEP or 504 plan.

Guidance on the Use of TTS in English Language Arts¶

TTS is classified as an accommodation in ELA and its use does alter the construct being measured and therefore does affect how a student's score is interpreted. In other words, sections of the ELA tests are designed to measure a student's ability to read, so the use of a read-aloud method alters what is being measured and how the resulting score is interpreted.

TTS in ELA is only available to students with a documented need for the accommodation in their IEP or 504 plan. The use of TTS in ELA is primarily intended for students with visual impairments who can't otherwise access the assessment. Note Braille forms are also available.

For students who require the use of TTS to access the assessments, not using TTS would also alter what is being measured and how the resulting score should be interpreted.

If a student is not exposed to TTS regularly in the classroom, they are unlikely to benefit from its use on assessments.

You do not need approval from AOE to use TTS in any subject or grade level.