 The DPI provides a written translation accommodation for the paper/pencil WKCE for Science and Social Studies in grades 4, 8, and 10.  Wordlists and Test Administration Manuals (TAMS) are available in Hmong as well as Spanish.  Translation accommodations are assessment specific. Each individual assessment in the WSAS system (see new definition of WSAS available at needs to be checked independently to determine translation availability.

 The WKCE translation process has incorporated multiple steps to ensure the highest quality and reliability possible.  The goal has been to minimize cultural differences and reduce barriers to the content being measured.

 The translation process incorporated a multi-step process that included an expert panel of Native Spanish speakers and an editing protocol.  An effort was made to ensure parallel language use and consistency by: o Using equivalent words or phrases (for example, cupcake or pizza) o Maintaining the essential meaning of test items and directions o Making sure the question is measuring the same content o Making sure the difficulty of achievement items does not change o Being careful not to simplify items or make them more difficult

 Translation accommodations are linguistic supports.  The scripts serve as an accommodation which is intended to help students better access the test without changing what the test is measuring.  Accommodations support fairness and equitability in test administration. They do not undermine the construct being measured and provide added fairness and equity for students.

The translation accommodation is comprised of:  Translation Written Script - All test items and directions in Science and Social Studies  Bilingual Word List- o Commonly used vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to the student o Difficult to translate words o Content specific words

 Students may use all or parts of the translation accommodation.  Students must mark their final answers in the English version of the WKCE in order for their answers to be scored.

 Scripts are designed to be used as a printed side-by-side accommodation.  Scripts may be used in different ways based upon district decisions and students’ individual need. For example: o Side-by-side with the WKCE by a student independently o To be read by a proctor as a student completes the test in English test book o To be read by a proctor if a student has questions  Scripts are intended for English Language Learners (ELLs) who maintain Spanish fluency and have exposure on a regular basis and/or in classroom settings. Guidelines for Qualified Translators available at

 Scripts will look similar to the English version of the test and follow the same page numbering system.  In most cases, graphics are not included in the scripts unless necessary due to language. Students will have to look back to the English copy of the WKCE to view the graphic.

It is important to recognize that the decision to provide translation accommodations should not be made independently of other decisions regarding accommodations.  Students who use the translations should be provided extended time so they have adequate time to access both the translated and English test booklets.  Consider a student’s o Background o Language Proficiency o Level of Literacy in English and Spanish. o Access to instruction in native language  Districts should take a “just right approach” instead of “more is better”

English Version Spanish Version

When a decision is made to provide translation accommodations to a student, this information should be recorded in the student file via the student’s ELL or learning plan.  Students need or use of translation materials may change overtime.  Ongoing communication should be maintained with a student to determine the usefulness of the translation accommodation for the student.

The primary goal of WSAS test security is to protect the integrity of the examinations by: Securing the test materials at all times Ensuring appropriate administration of the test

The Office of Student Assessment (OSA) has developed two test security training modules which are available at  District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) Version - a district overview of test security and the procedures involved.  Proctor version - can be utilized by DACs or School Assessment Coordinators (SACs) to improve the overall understanding of test security procedures and to emphasize the importance of test security with Proctors and School Staff. (approximately 10 minutes in length)

 The following precautions should be taken to maintain test security: o Have everyone handling these materials sign a confidentiality agreement form (available at if they have not already done so o Number every copy (whether paper, CD, etc.), and sign the numbered copies in and out o After testing is complete, destroy all copies. Keep on file a confirmation of destruction form  Violations of test security may result in invalidation of test results and possible disciplinary action by the district.

Test Security forms are available at  Confidentiality Agreement Forms – To be signed by anyone involved in testing or handling testing materials.  Confirmation of Destruction Forms – To be completed when testing materials are securely destroyed

Translated materials will be sent to District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) via a secure link through the DPI File Transfer Server. DACs will be notified by when the files are available to download. Files sent via the File Transfer Server cannot be forwarded.  Districts will be responsible for duplicating and distributing necessary materials to each school.  DACs may choose to burn CDs, produce hard copies, etc. in order to securely distribute materials to schools.  Test Security protocol should be observed by all who work with the test materials.

Additional information about accommodations for ELLs can be found at Or Contact : Audrey Lesondak

Questions may be directed to