Text-to-speech

While Performance Matters uses a a third-party tool for text-to-speech (TTS), PowerSchool has identified potential challenges and limitations, especially with math and science content. Use the following tips for math and science items and for content with repeating words in an item.

Text-to-speech inconsistencies with reading math content

The TTS reader may not interpret math symbols due to their context-dependent meanings. For example, the minus symbol could be read as a hyphen, a negative number indicator, or an em dash.

What might happen

• Minus sign is skipped sometimes when not inside a MathML widget 

• Minus sign is read as negative inside MathML widget 

• Equation is skipped 

Recommendations

• Use MathML: Incorporate MathML for all math content, especially equations, to ensure accurate pronunciation. 

• Provide Alternate Pronunciation: Within MathML widgets, add alternate pronunciations for specific terms or symbols.  

Text-to-speech inconsistencies with reading science content

Like math, scientific symbols can have multiple meanings based on context.  For example, “m” can represent meter or mass and “x” can mean multiplication or an unknown variable.

What might happen

• Science symbols or equations are skipped or read differently

Recommendation

• Use MathML: Employ MathML for all science formulas and equations. 

• Provide Alternate Pronunciation: Offer alternate pronunciations within MathML widgets for specific terms or symbols.  

Inconsistent pronunciation of repeated words

Some words like "attaches" are read differently when repeated in an item. This is known bug with our TTS vendor.

Recommendation

• Use the Update pronunciation feature in item editor to set the right pronunciation