Project Activities
The researchers will develop and refine four components as part of the full intervention program. These components include: (1) standardized synthesized speech for rendering mathematical content (ClearSpeak); (2) navigation tools for students; (3) ClearSpeak integration capability with Microsoft Word; and (4) customizable authoring tools for teachers. Development and feedback cycles on the different components will overlap in time as the researchers develop, refine, and finalize each of the components. Data collection activities include focus groups with students and teachers, student math performance measures, and expert review of accessibility features related to mathematics content, Braille, and audio output.
Structured Abstract
Setting
The research will take place in middle and high schools in New Jersey, Texas, Washington, and California.
Sample
The participants in the study include approximately 75 students with visual impairments in grades 8 through 11 enrolled in Algebra courses as well as their teachers.
The intervention to be developed focuses on ClearSpeak, a standardized synthetic speech rendering of math for instruction, test preparation, and testing. The ClearSpeak speech style will then be made compatible with current screen reader software such as MathPlayer and MathType. The intervention will also include navigation tools for students as well as authoring tools for teachers.
Research design and methods
The intervention will be developed through an iterative research and development process. The research will involve an initial development of the ClearSpeak speech style and implementation within existing software (MathPlayer). After the team develops a functional prototype, an iterative process of gathering feedback and refining the prototype will take place. The feedback studies will be designed to address accessibility, usability for student users, and usability for teachers to author their own accessible materials. Finally, a pilot study will examine whether there is initial evidence of the intervention's promise for improving mathematics access and outcomes by analyzing student gain scores on math assessments.
Control condition
There is no control condition.
Key measures
Data collection instruments include a cognitive interview protocol, a usability survey targeting both teachers and students, and two equivalent Algebra 1 assessments derived from released state assessments in mathematics developed by ETS.
Data analytic strategy
Pilot study student scores will be examined for direction and magnitude of change using analysis of variance. Data collected through teacher surveys on fidelity of implementation, the usability of the tool, and perceptions of student engagement will be transcribed and coded to inform revisions to the prototype. Researchers will also transcribe and code the types and frequency of teachers' requests for assistance as well as their responses to the structured interviews to determine what modifications to the tools, documentation, or training are needed to enable efficient teacher use.
People and institutions involved
IES program contact(s)
Products and publications
Products: The products to be developed include the ClearSpeak language fully integrated into screen reader software (MathPlayer and MathType), publications, and presentations on study progress.
Journal article, monograph, or newsletter
Frankel, L., Brownstein, B., and Soiffer, N. (2013). Navigable, Customizable TTS for Algebra. Journal on Technology and Persons With Disabilities, 1(4): 13-24. Full text
Soiffer, N. (2015). Now I can do it myself: Math Software Empowers Students of all Abilities. Ability Magazine: 54-59. Full text
Proceeding
Soiffer, N. (2015). Browser-Independent Accessible Math. In Proceedings of the 12th Web for All Conference (W4A '15) (pp. 1-3). New York: ACM. doi:10.1145/2745555.2746678.
Soiffer, N. (2015). Browser-Independent Accessible Math. In Proceedings of the 12th Web for All Conference (pp. 28). New York: ACM. doi:10.1145/2745555.2746678
Questions about this project?
To answer additional questions about this project or provide feedback, please contact the program officer.
