The National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT) was developed by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in collaboration with leading organizations promoting the use of braille. It is intended primarily to allow teachers of blind children and adults to demonstrate a basic knowledge of braille. The test has been in use since May 1994.
Plans are now underway to conduct a validation study of the test, beginning this spring. A statement of work is in process, and a contract will be awarded in May.
The study is expected to take two years. First a validation study of the overall test will be done, including a job analysis and an assessment of the conditions under which the test is administered. In the job analysis, teachers, supervisors and subject matter experts will examine the task of teaching braille. The information from this analysis will be compared with the current test and recommendations will be made, if indicated, for changes in the content of the test. Conditions that may be looked at include organization of the test, number and order of parts, time frame, use of reference materials, special accommodations for low-vision candidates and test/re-test interval. The validation study will be followed by a reliability study, including an analysis of the four versions of the test as modified by the validation study.
Through September 1995, 224 tests have been taken, with 46 candidates (20.5%) passing. Twenty-six states have been represented among the candidates.
For additional information about the NLBCT, contact the Braille Development Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542, or call 1-800-424-8567.
