Linguistic Modification: Improving English Language Learner Students' Access to Math Content During Standardized Testing.

Linguistic modification is a theory-and research-based process for changing the language in test items in ways that support clarity without simplifying or significantly altering the targeted construct assessed. The linguistic modification strategies used in this study included reducing sentence length and complexity, using common or familiar words, and using concrete language. The process of developing the linguistically modified items involved several steps, including selecting items from a pool of released test items, applying linguistic modification guidelines and strategies to each item, and evaluating the resulting items to ensure that the construct being tested had not changed and that the cognitive complexity of the item was appropriate. The goal of linguistic modification is to minimize construct-irrelevant language demands and enhance English language learner students' access to construct-relevant content.