Reading as an access to mathematics problem solving on multiple-choice tests for sixth-grade students

The effect of providing middle school students with a video accommodation f or a standardized mathematics test was examined. Two hundred forty-seven st udents were asked to solve 60 word problems. One half of the questions were presented in standard form, while the other half were read by an actor on a video monitor Students were grouped according to mathematics and reading ability A test accommodation effect was found for students possessing below -average mathematics skills. The problems were identified as having relativ ely high reading difficulty according to word count, number of verbs, and w ord familiarity. Students with above-average mathematics proficiency but lo w reading skill performed better when the questions were presented in video format. This accommodation may be useful on specific test items for studen ts with certain reading deficiencies.