Cara Cahalan Laitusis
@claitusis.bsky.social
Ask me anything about tests, +1 for validity fairness accessibility
Center for Assessment (NCIEA.org) Other Hats: Mom, Psychologist
Past Hats: school psychologist, ETS R&D, Fordham, Ghana Malawi IEQ
My bag: #EduSky #PsychSciSky #a11y #KnicksSky #NYLiberty
Center for Assessment (NCIEA.org) Other Hats: Mom, Psychologist
Past Hats: school psychologist, ETS R&D, Fordham, Ghana Malawi IEQ
My bag: #EduSky #PsychSciSky #a11y #KnicksSky #NYLiberty
Pinned
Cara’s Favorite Accessibility Things | Center for Assessment
Oprah has her list. We have ours. Check out the accessibility tools and innovations that Cara Laitusis loves.
www.nciea.org
Sharing my 6 favorite things for accessibility. I hope #5 and #6 can keep their federal funding. www.nciea.org/blog/caras-f... #edusky #a11y @edusky.bsky.social #edtech #asugsvsummit
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
NCME is a strong organization with a great board. Colleagues, please nominate those eager and ready to lead us forward, together. Link (due 11/14): form.jotform.com/252314794748...
We welcome your questions and look forward to your engagement. @ncme38.bsky.social @derekbriggs.bsky.social
We welcome your questions and look forward to your engagement. @ncme38.bsky.social @derekbriggs.bsky.social
August 26, 2025 at 10:41 AM
NCME is a strong organization with a great board. Colleagues, please nominate those eager and ready to lead us forward, together. Link (due 11/14): form.jotform.com/252314794748...
We welcome your questions and look forward to your engagement. @ncme38.bsky.social @derekbriggs.bsky.social
We welcome your questions and look forward to your engagement. @ncme38.bsky.social @derekbriggs.bsky.social
My 2025 travel schedule includes 6 trips to Kansas, but I am particularly excited for this one because it includes visits to the Kansas School for Blind and Kansas School for Deaf. My goal is to improve reading assessments to align with effective instruction, but that starts with learning.
August 24, 2025 at 12:03 PM
My 2025 travel schedule includes 6 trips to Kansas, but I am particularly excited for this one because it includes visits to the Kansas School for Blind and Kansas School for Deaf. My goal is to improve reading assessments to align with effective instruction, but that starts with learning.
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
In a recent article in EM:IP, Cahalan Laitusis and Karvonen review the history of universal design and propose a new framework—universal design of assessment systems—to address contemporary issues and needs in the field.
Learn more: doi.org/10.1111/emip...
#NCMEResearch
Learn more: doi.org/10.1111/emip...
#NCMEResearch
A Case for Reimagining Universal Design of Assessment Systems
The 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing describe universal design as an approach that offers promise for improving the fairness of educational assessments. As the field reconside...
doi.org
August 5, 2025 at 1:10 PM
In a recent article in EM:IP, Cahalan Laitusis and Karvonen review the history of universal design and propose a new framework—universal design of assessment systems—to address contemporary issues and needs in the field.
Learn more: doi.org/10.1111/emip...
#NCMEResearch
Learn more: doi.org/10.1111/emip...
#NCMEResearch
We recognize the impressive advances the universal design community has made to ensure that #universaldesign #UDL requirements permeate laws and design requirements that extend beyond educational assessment. Instead of abandoning these efforts, we reimagine -
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
July 23, 2025 at 10:32 AM
We recognize the impressive advances the universal design community has made to ensure that #universaldesign #UDL requirements permeate laws and design requirements that extend beyond educational assessment. Instead of abandoning these efforts, we reimagine -
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
Public school choice is expanding—but how do families make informed decisions?
AIR's Kerstin Le Floch and Laura Hamilton explain why statewide assessments matter more than ever in a new @nciea.bsky.social blog.
www.nciea.org/blog/statewi...
AIR's Kerstin Le Floch and Laura Hamilton explain why statewide assessments matter more than ever in a new @nciea.bsky.social blog.
www.nciea.org/blog/statewi...
Assessment’s Role in School Choice | Center for Assessment
As public school choice expands, state tests play an increasingly important role: providing a common benchmark to help families evaluate their options.
www.nciea.org
July 16, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Public school choice is expanding—but how do families make informed decisions?
AIR's Kerstin Le Floch and Laura Hamilton explain why statewide assessments matter more than ever in a new @nciea.bsky.social blog.
www.nciea.org/blog/statewi...
AIR's Kerstin Le Floch and Laura Hamilton explain why statewide assessments matter more than ever in a new @nciea.bsky.social blog.
www.nciea.org/blog/statewi...
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
We’ve got a bunch of interesting presentations lined up for the National Conference on Student Assessment #NCSA2025 next week. ➡️ bit.ly/4edAaDs Here’s a rundown of what we’re doing. Come see us if you’re in Denver!
June 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
We’ve got a bunch of interesting presentations lined up for the National Conference on Student Assessment #NCSA2025 next week. ➡️ bit.ly/4edAaDs Here’s a rundown of what we’re doing. Come see us if you’re in Denver!
If you are #NCSA2025 join me at 2:45 in Ballroom D. I will be presenting with Kansas and Maryland on how to balance the civil rights of students with disabilities and implement science of reading reform. I am sharing more on the importance of measuring background knowledge.
June 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
If you are #NCSA2025 join me at 2:45 in Ballroom D. I will be presenting with Kansas and Maryland on how to balance the civil rights of students with disabilities and implement science of reading reform. I am sharing more on the importance of measuring background knowledge.
I love the Microsoft inclusive persona spectrum graphic for accessibility. Since bartender and cataracts don’t fit my main audience of K12 education, I adapted it and thought I would share. @edusky.bsky.social #Edusky #a11y
June 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM
I love the Microsoft inclusive persona spectrum graphic for accessibility. Since bartender and cataracts don’t fit my main audience of K12 education, I adapted it and thought I would share. @edusky.bsky.social #Edusky #a11y
Much needed session at #NCME2025 on how civics education can happen in a divided nation. www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
April 24, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Much needed session at #NCME2025 on how civics education can happen in a divided nation. www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
If you are interested in how we can use accommodation and universal tools click/usage data to inform policy, scoring, and test design just keep walking all the way around the back to find us at 8am Colorado I/J #NCME2025 www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
April 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM
If you are interested in how we can use accommodation and universal tools click/usage data to inform policy, scoring, and test design just keep walking all the way around the back to find us at 8am Colorado I/J #NCME2025 www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
The Joint Committee will have two sessions for #AERA2025 and #NCME2025 attendees to hear about our work updating the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.
Today’s session is at 1:45 at the convention center and (Saturday session is at the Hilton). www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
Today’s session is at 1:45 at the convention center and (Saturday session is at the Hilton). www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
NCME 2025 Annual Meeting
www.xcdsystem.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The Joint Committee will have two sessions for #AERA2025 and #NCME2025 attendees to hear about our work updating the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.
Today’s session is at 1:45 at the convention center and (Saturday session is at the Hilton). www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
Today’s session is at 1:45 at the convention center and (Saturday session is at the Hilton). www.xcdsystem.com/ncme/program...
And now we know. #AI items for bar exam and “non legally trained” psychometrician www.latimes.com/california/s...
April 23, 2025 at 10:20 PM
And now we know. #AI items for bar exam and “non legally trained” psychometrician www.latimes.com/california/s...
I just reviewed the #AERA2025 accessibility tips. I don’t think it is necessary to “describe your appearance and dress”. Here are my #4
1. Use the mic
2. Say your name before you speak
3. Describe/read key points in the visual slides
4. Slow down for ASL interpreting
www.aera.net/Events-Meeti...
1. Use the mic
2. Say your name before you speak
3. Describe/read key points in the visual slides
4. Slow down for ASL interpreting
www.aera.net/Events-Meeti...
Accessibility and Inclusion Resources and Policies—AERA 2025 Annual Meeting
www.aera.net
April 23, 2025 at 2:58 AM
I just reviewed the #AERA2025 accessibility tips. I don’t think it is necessary to “describe your appearance and dress”. Here are my #4
1. Use the mic
2. Say your name before you speak
3. Describe/read key points in the visual slides
4. Slow down for ASL interpreting
www.aera.net/Events-Meeti...
1. Use the mic
2. Say your name before you speak
3. Describe/read key points in the visual slides
4. Slow down for ASL interpreting
www.aera.net/Events-Meeti...
Future of Testing and Accountability www.the74million.org/article/trum...
Trump Education Plan Raises Fears Over Future of Testing and Accountability
Without a strong ‘federal backstop,’ some experts argue it will be harder to keep states honest and protect the neediest students.
www.the74million.org
April 16, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Future of Testing and Accountability www.the74million.org/article/trum...
I am heading to #AERA2025 and #NCME2025 next week. I think this may be the first conference with a lot of us on @bsky.app Does anyone know if we just use hashtags or if there is a better way to interact people at the conference? @ncme38.bsky.social @aeraedresearch.bsky.social
April 15, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I am heading to #AERA2025 and #NCME2025 next week. I think this may be the first conference with a lot of us on @bsky.app Does anyone know if we just use hashtags or if there is a better way to interact people at the conference? @ncme38.bsky.social @aeraedresearch.bsky.social
Another wonderful addition to BlueSky is the Center for Assessment @nciea.bsky.social
Also included in the Measurement and Assessment Starter Pack go.bsky.app/DW9LoQa #EduSky
Also included in the Measurement and Assessment Starter Pack go.bsky.app/DW9LoQa #EduSky
April 11, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Another wonderful addition to BlueSky is the Center for Assessment @nciea.bsky.social
Also included in the Measurement and Assessment Starter Pack go.bsky.app/DW9LoQa #EduSky
Also included in the Measurement and Assessment Starter Pack go.bsky.app/DW9LoQa #EduSky
Sharing my 6 favorite things for accessibility. I hope #5 and #6 can keep their federal funding. www.nciea.org/blog/caras-f... #edusky #a11y @edusky.bsky.social #edtech #asugsvsummit
Cara’s Favorite Accessibility Things | Center for Assessment
Oprah has her list. We have ours. Check out the accessibility tools and innovations that Cara Laitusis loves.
www.nciea.org
April 10, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Sharing my 6 favorite things for accessibility. I hope #5 and #6 can keep their federal funding. www.nciea.org/blog/caras-f... #edusky #a11y @edusky.bsky.social #edtech #asugsvsummit
Happiness is when your 80 year old mom is sending you this picture with her friends in Florida and your 82 year old father sends a video from his #HandsOff protest in Connecticut. I am hoping the apple won’t fall far from the tree for me.
April 6, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Happiness is when your 80 year old mom is sending you this picture with her friends in Florida and your 82 year old father sends a video from his #HandsOff protest in Connecticut. I am hoping the apple won’t fall far from the tree for me.
If you missed the Center for Assessments “Case for Testing” webinar you can find the paper and recording here: www.nciea.org/library/the-...
The Case for State Testing | Center for Assessment
States should keep requiring students to take statewide tests even if the Trump administration stops enforcing federal assessment laws.
www.nciea.org
April 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
If you missed the Center for Assessments “Case for Testing” webinar you can find the paper and recording here: www.nciea.org/library/the-...
This one seems to be really sliding under the radar with all the other news but is a big deal IMO. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/u...
How Might the Trump Administration Target D.E.I. in Public Schools? (Gift Article)
A letter from the administration promised to withdraw funding from schools that allow certain D.E.I. programs. But what counts as D.E.I. may prove murky.
www.nytimes.com
April 4, 2025 at 6:36 PM
This one seems to be really sliding under the radar with all the other news but is a big deal IMO. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/u...
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
If the federal role is diminished, should statewide school accountability systems continue? My colleagues and I at the Center think the answer is YES. We explain why in this brief. Please consider sharing it. www.nciea.org/library/the-...
The Case for Statewide School Accountability Systems | Center for Assessment
States should continue to implement high-quality school accountability systems, regardless of the level or nature of federal oversight.
www.nciea.org
March 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
If the federal role is diminished, should statewide school accountability systems continue? My colleagues and I at the Center think the answer is YES. We explain why in this brief. Please consider sharing it. www.nciea.org/library/the-...
I hope @andrewdeanho.bsky.social lives a very long life but after reading this, I am envisioning the start of his obituary. IYKYK www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/s...
James Reason, Who Used Swiss Cheese to Explain Human Error, Dies at 86
Mistakes happen, he theorized, because multiple vulnerabilities in a system align — like the holes in cheese — to create a recipe for disaster.
www.nytimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
I hope @andrewdeanho.bsky.social lives a very long life but after reading this, I am envisioning the start of his obituary. IYKYK www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/s...
Reposted by Cara Cahalan Laitusis
NAEP Law uses the phrase "valid and reliable" 8 times and references "professional testing standards" 7 times. We can't measure educational progress with a bendable yardstick. Let's get the expertise we need.
www.nagb.gov/naep/the-nae...
www.nagb.gov/naep/the-nae...
If we want to keep NAEP, we’re going to have to fight for it.
Plus, what @andrewdeanho.bsky.social said.
Plus, what @andrewdeanho.bsky.social said.
March 19, 2025 at 5:07 PM
NAEP Law uses the phrase "valid and reliable" 8 times and references "professional testing standards" 7 times. We can't measure educational progress with a bendable yardstick. Let's get the expertise we need.
www.nagb.gov/naep/the-nae...
www.nagb.gov/naep/the-nae...
@stevenfulop.bsky.social who is your education advisor? I would like to connect with them but can’t find anyway to make direct contact via your website and no one responded to my form inquiry.
March 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
@stevenfulop.bsky.social who is your education advisor? I would like to connect with them but can’t find anyway to make direct contact via your website and no one responded to my form inquiry.
If you know testing people, you know we rarely agree, but all of us at the Center for Assessment agree on the case for state testing. Download our paper and sign up for our webinar @EduSky #EduSky www.nciea.org/event/the-ca...
The Case for State Testing (Webinar) | Center for Assessment
Webinar: Why states should keep giving statewide tests even if the new administration stops enforcing federal assessment laws.
www.nciea.org
March 13, 2025 at 11:57 AM
If you know testing people, you know we rarely agree, but all of us at the Center for Assessment agree on the case for state testing. Download our paper and sign up for our webinar @EduSky #EduSky www.nciea.org/event/the-ca...