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Article published In:
Sign Language & Linguistics
Vol. 24:2 (2021) ► pp.226–258

Challenges and solutions in test adaption

Comparing international experiences with the British Sign Language Production Test (Narrative Skills)

| University of Manitoba
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Sign language assessment tools are important for professionals working with DHH children to measure sign language development and competence. Adaptation of an existing test can be a solution when initiating assessment in a sign language community; the adaptation process must adhere to key principles and procedures. We introduce the principles of test adaptation and outline the challenges we faced in adapting the British Sign Language Production Test (Herman, Grove, Holmes, Morgan, Sutherland & Woll 2004) to German Sign Language and American Sign Language. Challenges included decisions regarding the normative sample, the use of terminology, and variations in the scoring protocols to fit with each language. The steps taken throughout the test adaptation process are described, together with a comparison of parallels and differences. We conclude that test adaptation is an effective method of developing practical tools for sign language assessment and contributes to a better understanding of sign language development.

Keywords: sign language assessment, test adaptation, test adaptation principles, test adaptation challenges, score sheets, sign language development
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Principles of test adaption
  • 3.Description of the original test
  • 4.Structure of test adaptation process
  • 5.Challenges and solutions from two adaptation processes
    • 5.1Normative samples
    • 5.2Terminology
    • 5.3Revisions to scoring system
      • Combining narrative structure and content
      • Expanding role shift / constructed action
      • Item substitution
      • Recording systems
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
Published online: 19 July 2021
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/sll.20010.enn
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