Texas Education Agency Accommodations Manual Training - Parts I & II TETN Event #31342, #34282

Texas Education Agency, 10/20082 Agenda Purpose of Training Purpose of Training Components of the 2008 Assessment Program Components of the 2008 Assessment Program Key Changes to the Accommodations Manual Key Changes to the Accommodations Manual General Information About Accommodations General Information About Accommodations How to Use the ‘Accommodations by Category Chart’ How to Use the ‘Accommodations by Category Chart’ Key Changes to Accommodation Policy Key Changes to Accommodation Policy Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT) Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT) Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) Grades 2-12 Reading Tests Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) Grades 2-12 Reading Tests Accommodation Request Process Accommodation Request Process Questions & Answers Questions & Answers Contact Information Contact Information

Texas Education Agency, 10/20083 Purpose of Training Updates on the accommodation policy for all students taking Updates on the accommodation policy for all students taking TAKS TAKS TAKS (Accommodated) TAKS (Accommodated) TAKS-M TAKS-M LAT LAT TELPAS TELPAS Directions about how to use the Accommodations Manual Directions about how to use the Accommodations Manual Information about the process for requesting accommodations for use on these assessments Information about the process for requesting accommodations for use on these assessments

Texas Education Agency, 10/20084 Components of the 2008 Texas Assessment Program Information about accommodations available for End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments will be included in future manuals when operational EOC assessments become mandatory.

Texas Education Agency, 10/20085 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) A general assessment based on grade-level academic achievement standards TAKS (Accommodated) A general assessment based on the same grade- level academic achievement standards as TAKS for students receiving special education services who meet the eligibility criteria for specific accommodations Includes format changes (larger font and fewer items per page) and contains no embedded field- test items

Texas Education Agency, 10/20086 TAKS–Modified (TAKS–M) An alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards for students receiving special education services who meet participation requirements for TAKS–M Includes changes in format (e.g., larger font, fewer items per page) and test design (e.g., fewer answer choices, simpler vocabulary and sentence structure).

Texas Education Agency, 10/20087 TAKS–Alternate (TAKS–Alt) An alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements. Not a traditional paper/pencil or multiple- choice test - teachers observe students as they complete assessment tasks that link to grade-level TEKS curriculum, then submit results and evidence through online instrument

Texas Education Agency, 10/20088 Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT) An assessment process for recent immigrant English language learners (ELLs) who are granted a limited English proficiency (LEP) exemption from TAKS under state law but are required to be assessed in certain grades and subjects under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) Provides linguistic accommodations that help recent immigrant ELLs better understand the language used on TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS-M

Texas Education Agency, 10/20089 Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) K-12 assessments of listening, speaking, reading and writing that measure the progress ELLs make in learning English Composed of multiple-choice reading tests for grades 2-12 and holistically rated assessments based on student observations and written student work Grades 2-12 reading tests to be administered as an online testing program as of spring 2009 (in rare cases a paper-based administration may be approved by TEA for a student)

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Key Changes to the Accommodations Manual

Texas Education Agency, 10/ LAT Detailed information regarding the LAT process for eligible ELLs, including those receiving special education services, is now available in section of this manual entitled ‘Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT)’ Detailed information regarding the LAT process for eligible ELLs, including those receiving special education services, is now available in section of this manual entitled ‘Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT)’ TELPAS TELPAS Accommodations for students taking TELPAS reading tests in grades 2-12 now included in this manual Accommodations for students taking TELPAS reading tests in grades 2-12 now included in this manual

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Reorganization and Addition of New Appendices Participation requirements for certain state assessments (Appendix A) Eligibility criteria for specific accommodations (Appendix B) Teacher tools that districts have the option of using if needed (Appendix C) Expanded information about the accommodation request process (Appendix D) General instructions for administering braille and large-print tests (Appendix E) List of supplemental aids allowed for TAKS (Accommodated) without submission and approval of Accommodation Request Form (Appendix F) New appendix regarding administering tests to students who are deaf or hard of hearing will be posted separately at a later date

Texas Education Agency, 10/ New Accommodations Policy Changes and Clarifications Policies changed and clarified as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to state assessments for all students Implemented with the spring 2009 administrations Should result in a significant reduction of Accommodation Request Form submissions

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Online Accommodation Request Form District testing coordinators can submit Accommodation Request Forms through online system (similar to online incident report) Open to all districts by December 2008 Intended to reduce number of faxed or e- mailed requests Paper requests can still be submitted

Texas Education Agency, 10/ General Information About Accommodations

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Federal (NCLB, IDEA, 504) and State (TEC, TAC) legislative requirements Federal (NCLB, IDEA, 504) and State (TEC, TAC) legislative requirements Students to be assessed in designated grades and subjects Students to be assessed in designated grades and subjects Students to be provided reasonable accommodations on assessments Students to be provided reasonable accommodations on assessments

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Accommodations Practices and procedures that do not reduce learning expectations but provide equitable access to grade-level curriculum Provided on an individual basis, taking into consideration the needs of each student May be appropriate for instructional use, but may not be appropriate for use on a standardized assessment Should not be simply a matter of convenience but a tool that does not compromise the content being tested and is necessary for student success Should be routinely used in classroom instruction and testing

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Accommodations are for general education students with special needs, students served by Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, English language learners, and students with disabilities who receive special education services.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Selecting accommodations for assessment of individual students Gather and review information about student’s needs and present level of performance in relation to Grade-level TEKS, or Linguistic needs Be familiar with accommodation policy for each state-required assessment Involve students in accommodation selection

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Documenting Accommodation Use Documenting Accommodation Use Testing Accommodations Testing Accommodations IEP for students receiving special education services IEP for students receiving special education services IAP for students receiving services through section 504 IAP for students receiving services through section 504 Local policies for general education students Local policies for general education students Permanent record file for ELLs Permanent record file for ELLs Linguistic Accommodations for LAT Linguistic Accommodations for LAT Permanent record file for ELLs not receiving special education services Permanent record file for ELLs not receiving special education services IEP and permanent record file for ELLs receiving special education services IEP and permanent record file for ELLs receiving special education services

Texas Education Agency, 10/ When documenting accommodations, it is important to remember that for ELLs receiving special education services, the ARD and the LPAC should work together to determine how best to address each student’s linguistic and special education needs during instruction and assessment when an accommodation requires the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form, documentation should specify that the accommodation may only be used on state assessment pending approval from TEA

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Administering Assessments With Accommodations Administering Assessments With Accommodations Accommodations used by students on state assessments must be the same as those routinely used in instruction and testing Exceptions are rare and usually involve emergency situations that occur the day of the test School staff must communicate to plan for logistics and provisions of assessment accommodations on test day All educators must know and understand the requirements related to administering state assessments, including the use of accommodations Test security and the standardized and ethical administration of assessments must be ensured

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Evaluating and Improving the Use of Accommodations Evaluating and Improving the Use of Accommodations Ongoing assessment of student need should be part of every student’s instructional program Collecting and analyzing data on the use and effectiveness of accommodations helps ensure meaningful participation of students in state assessments

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Data on the use and impact of accommodations during assessments may reveal questionable patterns of accommodations use support the continued use of some accommodations but require the rethinking of others indicate areas in which campus and district level staff need additional training and support

Texas Education Agency, 10/ How to Use the ‘Accommodations by Category’ Chart Accommodations allowed on TAKS–Alt are listed on the ‘Presentation Supports/Materials’ document that is the Accommodations Manual and on the TAKS-Alt Resources website.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ These abbreviations represent what should be recorded in the ACCOMMODATIONS (FOR ALL PROGRAMS) field on the student’s scorable document at the time of testing. For online administrations, the test administrator will record the accommodation category after testing is completed.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Checkmarks indicate whether an accommodation may be used by an eligible student during TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), TAKS–M, or 2-12 TELPAS reading administrations. In most cases, the accommodations listed for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS–M are available for eligible students who participate in LAT administrations of these assessments.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ The asterisk means that this accommodation is applicable only for paper administrations of grades 2-12 TELPAS reading tests.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Amplification devices help reduce the interference of background noise, override poor acoustics, and reduce the effect of distance between the student and the test administrator. A student may use an amplification device, such as a frequency modulated (FM) system, if the student is identified as having a hearing impairment and/or has a disability that affects the student’s ability to focus or concentrate in large- group situations. An Accommodation Request Form is not required. A student may use a large-print version of the test if he or she has a visual impairment and routinely uses large-print materials in the classroom. An Accommodation Request Form is not required if the student meets these conditions. In most cases, large-print tests should be ordered only for students with visual impairments. Eligibility for use of accommodations is described by the conditions listed below each accommodation. In some cases, it is the responsibility of the school to determine whether the student meets these conditions. If the conditions are met, no request is required.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ If a student does not have a visual impairment and/or does not routinely use large-print materials in the classroom, an Accommodation Request Form that specifically states why the student needs this accommodation must be submitted to TEA for approval. Italicized text appears when an accommodation requires the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form prior to student use. Read this text carefully since the submission of a request applies to specific groups of students (e.g., certain grades only).

Texas Education Agency, 10/ See Appendix B for specific requirements concerning eligibility and decision-making authority for the dyslexia bundled accommodations. Only students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix B may use this accommodation. An Accommodation Request Form is not required. Some accommodations (DB, OA) have specific eligibility criteria found in the appendix that students must meet in order to use the accommodation. In these cases, eligibility is determined locally and no Accommodation Request Form is required.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Key Changes to Accommodation Policy

Texas Education Agency, 10/ TELPAS Administrations TELPAS reading tests for grades 2–12 will be an online administration only TELPAS reading tests for grades 2–12 will be an online administration only An Accommodation Request Form must be submitted for rare instances when a paper administration is required for a student needing an accommodation not available in an online administration An Accommodation Request Form must be submitted for rare instances when a paper administration is required for a student needing an accommodation not available in an online administration Districts should allow enough time for processing, ordering, and shipping approved paper administrations Districts should allow enough time for processing, ordering, and shipping approved paper administrations

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Large Print No changes to policy Separate eligibility page has been deleted and information has been included in the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart Accommodation Request Form is not required if a student has a visual impairment and routinely uses large-print materials in the classroom

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Reading Aloud Questions and Answers on TAKS-M Reading An accommodation beginning this year No longer a required part of test administration ARD committees have determined student need and routine use Not necessary to convene a special ARD committee meeting to address this accommodation, but at next scheduled meeting ARD committees must determine whether this accommodation is necessary if student needs all test questions and answer choices read or if the accommodation will be provided as needed per student request An Accommodation Request Form is not required

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Sign/Translate Directions Included once again as an allowable accommodation No policy changes Directions given orally before or after test may be signed to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing translated into the native language of a student with limited English proficiency An Accommodation Request Form is not required Translating directions into native language of student is not considered an accommodation for an ELL taking TELPAS reading

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Other Methods of Response Clarifying language included to explain role of scribe during different administrations Clarifying language included to explain role of scribe during different administrations Written composition Written composition Open-ended reading responses Open-ended reading responses Computation and notes Computation and notes

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Spelling Assistance This accommodation not allowed on revising and editing This accommodation not allowed on revising and editing This accommodation applies only to written composition (4 & 7 writing, 10 & 11 ELA) and open- ended reading responses (9 reading) This accommodation applies only to written composition (4 & 7 writing, 10 & 11 ELA) and open- ended reading responses (9 reading) TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M Grade 4: word lists allowed per ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required Grade 4: word lists allowed per ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required Grades 7, 9, 10, 11: various types of spelling assistance allowed per ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required Grades 7, 9, 10, 11: various types of spelling assistance allowed per ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required Required dictionaries/thesaurus for certain grades and subjects are not considered an accommodation but a required part of test administration procedures

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Calculation Devices Specific conditions must be met Specific conditions must be met Disability affecting math calculation, not reasoning Disability affecting math calculation, not reasoning Disability affecting physical reproduction of numbers Disability affecting physical reproduction of numbers TAKS (Accommodated) TAKS (Accommodated) Accommodation Request Form required for grades 3-6 mathematics and 5 science Accommodation Request Form required for grades 3-6 mathematics and 5 science ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for 7-8 ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for 7-8 TAKS-M TAKS-M ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for 3-8 ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for 3-8 Required calculators for certain grades and subjects are not considered an accommodation but a required part of test administration procedures

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Supplemental Aids Student must be able to understand content but needs assistance recalling some of it Student must be able to understand content but needs assistance recalling some of it Must be a tool, meaning aid cannot provide direct answers to the TEKS being tested Must be a tool, meaning aid cannot provide direct answers to the TEKS being tested Separate appendix lists aids that are allowable for eligible students for TAKS (Accommodated) without an Accommodation Request Form Separate appendix lists aids that are allowable for eligible students for TAKS (Accommodated) without an Accommodation Request Form TAKS (Accommodated) TAKS (Accommodated) Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed in appendix Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed in appendix TAKS-M TAKS-M ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Manipulatives Assists students with visualizing abstract concepts Assists students with visualizing abstract concepts Must serve as a tool, meaning manipulative cannot provide direct answers to the TEKS being tested Must serve as a tool, meaning manipulative cannot provide direct answers to the TEKS being tested List of manipulatives that are allowable for eligible students in the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart List of manipulatives that are allowable for eligible students in the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart TAKS (Accommodated) TAKS (Accommodated) Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed TAKS-M TAKS-M ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Extended Time (2 days to test) Clarification to policy only Clarification to policy only Approved only for small number of students in unique situations Accommodation Request Form required for all students taking any assessment Prior to submitting an Accommodation Request Form, schools should consider other, less restrictive accommodations (e.g., individual or small-group administration, frequent breaks, dividing test into short sections, use of a scribe, oral administration if eligible) the assessment the student is taking (i.e. format changes, fewer items) If a student is approved for two-day testing, specific procedures must be followed in order to maintain test security and confidentiality

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT)

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Detailed information about linguistic accommodations is included in this year’s accommodations manual Detailed information about linguistic accommodations is included in this year’s accommodations manual The LAT process is used to meet federal testing requirements for math, science, and reading/ELA tests administered in grades 3–8 and 10 The LAT process is used to meet federal testing requirements for math, science, and reading/ELA tests administered in grades 3–8 and 10

Texas Education Agency, 10/ The revised Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) now require school districts to linguistically accommodate the instruction of ELLs in all subjects The revised Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) now require school districts to linguistically accommodate the instruction of ELLs in all subjects At the time of assessment, only LEP- exempt ELLs are eligible for the LAT process At the time of assessment, only LEP- exempt ELLs are eligible for the LAT process

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Allowable LAT Accommodations for Math and Science *Not available for LAT administrations of TAKS–M Indirect Linguistic Support Direct Linguistic Support Clarification / Translation of Test Directions Clarification / Translation of Test Directions Breaks at Request of Student Breaks at Request of Student Linguistic Simplification Linguistic Simplification Oral Translation Oral Translation Reading Assistance Reading Assistance Bilingual Dictionary Bilingual Dictionary Bilingual Glossary Bilingual Glossary English and Spanish Side by Side (grades 3–6 only)* English and Spanish Side by Side (grades 3–6 only)*

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Allowable LAT Accommodations for Reading/ELA There are exceptions for LAT administrations of the WRITING sections of grade 10 ELA, as explained in the manual. Indirect Linguistic Support Direct Linguistic Support Clarification / Translation of Test DirectionsClarification / Translation of Test Directions Breaks at Request of StudentBreaks at Request of Student Testing Over 2 DaysTesting Over 2 Days Bilingual DictionaryBilingual Dictionary English DictionaryEnglish Dictionary Reading Aloud – Word or PhraseReading Aloud – Word or Phrase Reading Aloud – Entire Test ItemReading Aloud – Entire Test Item Oral Translation – Word or PhraseOral Translation – Word or Phrase Clarification – Word or PhraseClarification – Word or Phrase

Texas Education Agency, 10/ In addition to linguistic accommodations, a student taking LAT may be eligible to receive accommodations related to special needs In addition to linguistic accommodations, a student taking LAT may be eligible to receive accommodations related to special needs Available special needs accommodations depend on which test the student is taking—LAT administration of TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS-M Available special needs accommodations depend on which test the student is taking—LAT administration of TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS-M

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Remember, the ARD in conjunction with the LPAC must determine and document linguistic accommodations and special needs accommodations for students taking LAT who receive special education services Remember, the ARD in conjunction with the LPAC must determine and document linguistic accommodations and special needs accommodations for students taking LAT who receive special education services Consult the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart for information on available special needs accommodations Consult the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart for information on available special needs accommodations

Texas Education Agency, 10/ In most cases, the accommodations listed for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS–M in the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart are available for eligible students who participate in LAT administrations of these assessments.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ The following accommodations from the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart do not require documentation for LAT administrations. They are part of the LAT test administration procedures. The following accommodations from the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart do not require documentation for LAT administrations. They are part of the LAT test administration procedures. Translating test directions Translating test directions Individual and small group administrations Individual and small group administrations Testing over 2 days for LAT administrations of reading and ELA Testing over 2 days for LAT administrations of reading and ELA Frequent breaks Frequent breaks

Texas Education Agency, 10/ The following accommodations are not available for LAT administrations The following accommodations are not available for LAT administrations Braille versions, except for LAT administrations of TAKS–M Braille versions, except for LAT administrations of TAKS–M Dyslexia bundled accommodations (because LAT accommodations provide similar assistance) Dyslexia bundled accommodations (because LAT accommodations provide similar assistance)

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Accommodation Request Forms are NOT required for the linguistic accommodations used during LAT

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) Grades 2-12 Reading Tests

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Beginning in 2009, TELPAS reading tests for grades 2–12 will be administered as an online testing program Beginning in 2009, TELPAS reading tests for grades 2–12 will be administered as an online testing program In rare instances a student may need an accommodation not available in an online administration In rare instances a student may need an accommodation not available in an online administration In such instances, an Accommodation Request Form must be submitted to request a paper administration In such instances, an Accommodation Request Form must be submitted to request a paper administration At least 2 weeks are needed for TEA to process the request; approximately 1 additional week is needed for ordering and shipping approved paper materials At least 2 weeks are needed for TEA to process the request; approximately 1 additional week is needed for ordering and shipping approved paper materials

Texas Education Agency, 10/ ELLs should be familiar with reading on computers during instruction ELLs should be familiar with reading on computers during instruction Tutorials are available to help students learn to use TELPAS reading test software; the tutorials contain a few sample items Tutorials are available to help students learn to use TELPAS reading test software; the tutorials contain a few sample items Online administration previews are also available to give students more practice taking the tests online Online administration previews are also available to give students more practice taking the tests online For grades 3–12 these are entire released 2006 RPTE tests For grades 3–12 these are entire released 2006 RPTE tests For grade 2 there are approximately 20 TELPAS reading sample questions (there were no RPTE tests for grade 2) For grade 2 there are approximately 20 TELPAS reading sample questions (there were no RPTE tests for grade 2)

Texas Education Agency, 10/ TELPAS online resources available at /Texas/eoct/txeoct/txresources/TEApag es/TELPAS_Preview.htm /Texas/eoct/txeoct/txresources/TEApag es/TELPAS_Preview.htm /Texas/eoct/txeoct/txresources/TEApag es/TELPAS_Preview.htm

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Paper tests will be approved only in rare instances in which an accommodation that a student needs is not available in an online administration Paper tests will be approved only in rare instances in which an accommodation that a student needs is not available in an online administration Paper tests will not be approved on the basis that a student Paper tests will not be approved on the basis that a student knows very little English knows very little English has limited exposure to computers (except for rare instances involving special needs, such as certain health conditions) has limited exposure to computers (except for rare instances involving special needs, such as certain health conditions)

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Students with special needs may be eligible to use accommodations. Students with special needs may be eligible to use accommodations. Which academic skill test is the student eligible to take: TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS-M? Which academic skill test is the student eligible to take: TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS-M? Consult the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart for information on available special needs accommodations. Consult the ‘Accommodations by Category’ chart for information on available special needs accommodations.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ TELPAS – Some Examples

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Accommodation Request Process

Texas Education Agency, 10/ The District Testing Coordinator is responsible for reviewing and submitting to TEA only those Accommodation Request Forms that are necessary and appropriate according to the information in the Accommodations Manual providing information about accommodations to campus testing coordinators and/or school personnel answering questions from schools

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Requests must be submitted for accommodations not covered in this manual accommodations that require the submission of an Accommodation Request Form as indicated by italicized text students who do not meet the listed conditions but have such a unique situation that the use of the accommodation may be needed Request must be received by TEA at least two weeks prior to testing to ensure enough time to respond

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Do not submit requests for accommodations listed in the manual as ‘No Accommodation Request Form required’ Objective Evidence should be provided with every request clearly indicate why the student needs the accommodation be individualized, specific, and relevant Never include confidential student information (e.g., first and last name, social security number) with a request If an accommodation requires the submission of an Accommodation Request Form, the student may not use the accommodation unless approved by TEA

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Requests may be submitted by Online Accommodation Request Form (starting December 2008) Fax by mail in rare situations

Texas Education Agency, 10/ If you can, please WAIT to begin sending Accommodation Request Forms until the online system is open (by Dec. ’08).

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Questions & Answers

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 1a If a student has been identified as dyslexic and is only receiving services through a dyslexia program, can he/she receive an oral administration for math, science, and social studies? Question 1b Does the student also have to receive the dyslexia bundled accommodations in reading to receive the oral administration for math, science, and social studies?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 1a Yes, as stated in bullet one in Appendix B, page 68. Answer 1b No. The eligibility criteria for an oral administration does not specify that a student must also be receiving the dyslexia bundled accommodations for reading.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 2 I have a 7th grade son who receives services under Section 504. He is dyslexic, has difficulty with spelling, needs reduced paper and pencil tasks, and extra time to finish writing assignments. Are there any accommodations for him on the TAKS writing test? I have a 7th grade son who receives services under Section 504. He is dyslexic, has difficulty with spelling, needs reduced paper and pencil tasks, and extra time to finish writing assignments. Are there any accommodations for him on the TAKS writing test?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 2 Accommodations that may be appropriate include using a scribe and/or providing frequent breaks. A dictionary is already required for the written composition portion of the grade 7 writing test, which may address the student’s difficulty with spelling. Yes, but it is up to the student’s 504 committee to document what accommodations are needed on the TAKS grade 7 writing test. Pages should be reviewed to determine if the accommodation is allowed or requires the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form. Accommodations that may be appropriate include using a scribe and/or providing frequent breaks. A dictionary is already required for the written composition portion of the grade 7 writing test, which may address the student’s difficulty with spelling.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 3 We have a 3rd grader at one of our campuses that will be taking TAKS- M. However, he rips up his papers and assessments. Would it be feasible to copy his booklet, give him a section at a time, and then transcribe it onto his booklet? The school currently follows this practice with this particular student.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 3 Yes, however test booklets are secure documents and may not be photocopied without advance written permission from TEA through the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form that states why the student cannot use other allowable accommodations (p. 26).

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 3, cont. Administering the test to the student one section at a time (p. 36) and transcribing the student’s answers onto a scorable document (p. 29) are allowed if the ARD committee determines that the student meets the criteria listed under each accommodation. No Accommodations Request Form is necessary for these two accommodations.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 4 My daughter has Irlen Syndrome but is not receiving any special services. I am concerned about the TAKS test, as my daughter is a 4th grader this year and will be required to use an answer document for the first time. This will be difficult for her since it is hard for her to transfer information efficiently and accurately. Can you please give me information about TAKS accommodations for students who are not served under Section 504?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 4 Page 29 lists several accommodations that may address this student’s needs.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 5 Does the use of a ‘division chart’, ‘decimal chart’, or ‘angles chart’ for TAKS (Accommodated) math tests require the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form? What about for students taking TAKS-M math tests?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 5 Some supplemental aids have been approved for use on TAKS (Accommodated) without submitting an Accommodation Request Form. These are described in Appendix F. However, a ‘division chart’, ‘decimal chart’, and ‘angles chart’ are not similar to the supplemental math aids described in Appendix F. If a student taking TAKS (Accommodated) needs a supplemental aid not listed in Appendix F, then the submission of an Accommodation Request Form with a copy of the aid is required. The aid must be a tool and not a source of direct answers for the tested TEKS. Additional conditions are described in Appendix F.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 5, cont. An Accommodation Request Form is not required for a student who needs supplemental aids on TAKS–M (including LAT administrations of this assessment). It is the responsibility of the district, however, to ensure that all supplemental aids on TAKS–M are a tool and not a source of direct answers prior to allowing their use.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 6 What type of training is needed for a scribe? What does this training look like? Who is responsible for ensuring the training has been done?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 6 Page 29 provides specific information about the role of a scribe. It is the responsibility of the district to ensure that all test administrators are trained in test administration procedures, including those specific to certain accommodations. Test administrators that are scribes should understand and be familiar with their role as a scribe in all applicable testing situations (i.e., written composition, open ended responses, computation/notes).

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 7 Can students who receive services through Section 504 use the accommodation of spelling assistance?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 7 No. Spelling assistance is only allowed for eligible students on the written composition portion of the TAKS (Accommodated) or TAKS-M writing tests. Students receiving services through Section 504 are not eligible to take TAKS (Accommodated) or TAKS-M.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 8 Are students allowed to use notebook paper turned sideways or graph paper to help align their calculations? Are students allowed to use notebook paper turned sideways or graph paper to help align their calculations?

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 8 Yes. This is an allowable accommodation for any student who meets the conditions described on page 29.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Question 9 Explain the IEP/IAP documentation necessary for an oral administration. Explain the IEP/IAP documentation necessary for an oral administration.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Answer 9 Since an oral administration can encompass different levels of reading support for each student, it is the responsibility of the ARD committee, the Section 504 committee, or the committee of knowledgeable persons to appropriately document the level of oral administration support the student needs. For example, some students will need all of the test questions and answer choices read aloud. Others, however, will only need some words or phrases read aloud at his/her request. A student may request a change in the level of reading support provided during testing only if this option is documented.

Texas Education Agency, 10/ Contact Information Student Assessment Division Student Assessment Division Phone: New Accommodations Website: Division of IDEA Coordination Division of IDEA Coordination Phone: Website: Texas Legislature Online Texas Legislature Online Website: No Child Left Behind No Child Left Behind Website: