Study of a dual-language test booklet in eighth-grade mathematics

The purpose of this study was to address the effectiveness of a Spanish-English dual-language test booklet in 8th-grade mathematics. This study used analyses of test data (n = 402) as well as information gathered through focus groups (n = 68) and cognitive interviews (n = 18) to assess the accuracy and utility of the dual-language format as a testing accommodation. The data indicate that the translation procedures were effective and that the 2 test booklet formats were comparable once English-language proficiency and language used to answer the test were accounted for. Students found the dual-language format to be very useful, and no undue advantage appeared to be accorded to students given the dual-language booklet over the English-only booklet. In our discussion, we address translation issues and the challenges in accurately identifying students who should receive language accommodations.