2010-2011 Accommodations Manual Training presented at Special Education Assessments TETN #7928 August 18, 2010 Manual available online only on the Accommodations Resources page at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/accommodations (Copy as needed for educational purposes)

Disclaimer These slides have been prepared and approved by the Student Assessment Division of the Texas Education Agency. If any slide is amended or revised for use in local or regional trainings, please remove the TEA footer at the bottom of the slide. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Agenda Purpose of Training Key Changes Federal and State Requirements General Accommodation Information Accommodations by Category Chart TELPAS TAKS-ALT LAT Accommodation Request Process Providing Accommodations During Instruction and Assessment Appendices Frequently Asked Questions Miscellaneous 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

This training should not replace reading the manual. Purpose of Training To provide information applicable to ALL students about the use of accommodations on TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), TAKS-M, TAKS-ALT, TELPAS, and LAT To provide information about how to request accommodations that are not listed in this manual or that require an Accommodation Request Form This training should not replace reading the manual. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Key Changes 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

An icon has been used throughout the manual to direct the reader to additional materials that may assist educators when making accommodation decisions. “Selecting Accommodations for Assessment” has been revised to clarify the purpose of accommodation use on state assessments. Procedural information for transcribing that was located under “Other Methods of Response” has been relocated to the District and Campus Coordinator Manual, test administrator manuals, and test administration directions. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

A new section titled “Accommodations for TAKS- ALT” has been included in the manual. The section titled “Linguistic Accommodations for English Language Learners” now includes information about special provisions for unschooled ELL asylees and refugees. The list of supplemental aids allowed for TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M in Appendix D has been revised. The accommodation of “Blank Graphic Organizer” that was located in the Accommodations by Category Chart has been moved to Appendix D as an allowable supplemental aid. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Federal and State Requirements 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)-also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 39.023 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

General Accommodation Information 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

What are Accommodations? Accommodations are changes to materials or procedures that provide effective and equitable access to grade-level curriculum during instruction and testing. Accommodations do not substantially alter the content or performance criteria of assignments and assessments. should not replace the teaching of subject-specific knowledge and skills. are intended to enable students with special needs, disabilities, or who are learning English to participate meaningfully in grade-level instruction. are not intended to provide a student with an advantage over other students. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Who are Accommodations For? General education students with special needs Students receiving services through Section 504 Students receiving special education services English language learners 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Remember… Accommodation decisions should be based on the needs of individual students, not an entire group of students. The use of accommodations should be a routine part of a student’s classroom instruction and testing. Some accommodations may be appropriate for instructional use, but not appropriate or allowed for use on a state assessment. Students should be involved in selecting accommodations when appropriate. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Documentation: Required Paperwork When documenting accommodation use, consider the services a student is receiving. Special education: all accommodations must be documented in the student’s IEP Section 504: all accommodations must be documented in the student’s IAP Eligible ELLs: in addition to the above requirements, the LPAC must document assessment accommodations for ELLs and keep in the student’s permanent record file Other: districts should document use of accommodations according to local policies (questions regarding local policies should be answered at the district level) Accommodations that require submission of an Accommodation Request Form should be documented as “pending TEA approval.” 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Documentation: Scorable Test Booklet or Answer Document State assessment accommodations must be recorded on the scorable document. Accommodations are categorized in four ways: Presentation (P) Response (R) Setting (S) Timing and scheduling (T) Exceptions Braille (BR) Large-print (LP) Oral administration (OA) Dyslexia Bundled Accommodation (DB) Linguistic accommodations 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Documentation: Scorable Test Booklet or Answer Document For details on recording accommodations on scorable documents, see the District and Campus Coordinator Manual or LAT Test Administrator Manual. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Accommodations by Category Chart 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart This chart describes accommodations for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), TAKS-M, and TELPAS. Except as specified in the chart, accommodations listed for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS–M are available for eligible students who participate in LAT administrations of these assessments. Conditions for use are listed below each accommodation. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart Checkmarks indicate whether an accommodation may be considered for use on a specific assessment by a student who meets certain conditions. An asterisk (*) indicates that accommodation is applicable only for paper administrations of TELPAS grades 2-12 reading tests, which are only available through a special request process.

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart Italicized text denotes that an Accommodation Request Form is required.

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart Appendix A denotes that no Accommodation Request Form is required. Accommodation use is determined locally by eligibility criteria for oral/signed administrations and dyslexia bundled accommodations.

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart Accommodation use is determined locally based on conditions listed below some accommodations. No Accommodation Request Form is required in these cases.

Reading the Accommodations by Category Chart When there are no conditions listed, accommodation use is determined locally based on student need and whether student routinely receives the accommodation. No Accommodation Request Form is required in these cases.

Changes to the Accommodations by Category Chart Procedural information for transcribing that was located under “Other Methods of Response” last year has been relocated to the District and Campus Coordinator Manual, test administrator manuals, and test administration directions manuals. The accommodation of “Blank Graphic Organizer” that was located in the Accommodations by Category Chart last year has been moved to Appendix D as an allowable supplemental aid. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Reminders about the Accommodations by Category Chart The appendices must be used in conjunction with this chart because they contain specific information about certain accommodations. Information about accommodations for TELPAS not covered in this chart can be found on page 29. TAKS–ALT presentation supports/materials are found on pages 30–49. Information about linguistic accommodations are found on pages 50-59. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

TELPAS 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Additional Information on TELPAS Testing Accommodations TELPAS reading tests in grades 2-12 are administered online. Students should be familiar with reading on computers during instruction. Now is a great time to be thinking about getting students accustomed to reading online and using accommodations online (if appropriate). Tutorials are available to help students learn to use TELPAS reading test software and practice taking the test online. Released online tests are also available. Tutorials and online released TELPAS will be posted to TEA website by the end of August – accessible from released test section. An email announcement will be sent when posted. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Special Requests for Paper Administration of TELPAS Reading Tests For extenuating circumstances only Consider using an accommodation online before requesting a paper booklet. In rare instances in which it is not feasible or appropriate to use an accommodation online, a paper test booklet (including large-print) can be requested by submitting an Accommodation Request Form (ARF). ARF must include information explaining why a comparable accommodation in online test is not appropriate. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Paper Administrations of TELPAS Reading Tests Requests must be received at least two weeks before testing to allow time to process request and ship materials. If request is approved, TEA will notify district testing coordinator and order the test booklet. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Keep in mind that… paper tests will be approved only in rare instances paper tests will not be approved on the basis that a student knows very little English has limited exposure to computers (except for rare instances involving special needs, such as certain health conditions) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

TELPAS Holistically Rated Assessments, Grades K-12 Assessments based on student classwork and observation during daily instruction Most accommodations used during regular classroom instruction are appropriate Exceptions: Any accommodation that would interfere with ability of assessment to give clear picture of student’s English language proficiency (Example: submitting writing samples for which a student relied heavily on a dictionary) Linguistic accommodations are not available on reading TELPAS. To measure ELP, students must read independently in English. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

TAKS-ALTERNATE 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

TAKS-ALTERNATE (TAKS-ALT) Presentation Supports and Materials for TAKS-ALT have been added to the manual on pp 30-49. TAKS-Alt will be addressed in TETN #7929 scheduled for September 1, 2010. No accommodation form is necessary for TAKS-Alt accommodations. Teachers record the preplanned supports, materials, and response modes used during the observation on the first page of the state- required documentation form. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

LAT 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT) LAT is used to meet federal testing requirements for math, science, and reading/ELA tests administered in grades 3–8 and 10. The Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) require all teachers to provide appropriate linguistic accommodations during the instruction of ELLs in all subjects. LAT is administered only to students who meet the eligibility criteria. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Allowable Accommodations for LAT Math and Science Indirect Linguistic Support Direct Linguistic Support Clarification/ Translation of Test Directions Breaks at Request of Student Linguistic Simplification Oral Translation Reading Assistance Bilingual Dictionary Bilingual Glossary English and Spanish Side by Side (grades 3–5 only)* *Not available for LAT administrations of TAKS–M

Allowable Accommodations for LAT Reading/ELA Indirect Linguistic Support Direct Linguistic Support Clarification / Translation of Test Directions Breaks at Request of Student Testing Over 2 Days Bilingual Dictionary English Dictionary Reading Aloud – Word or Phrase Reading Aloud – Entire Test Item Oral Translation – Word or Phrase Clarification – Word or Phrase NOTE: There are exceptions for LAT administrations of the WRITING sections of grade 10 ELA, as explained in the manual. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

LAT Remember that— in addition to linguistic accommodations, a student taking LAT may be eligible to receive accommodations related to other types of special needs the ARD in conjunction with the LPAC must determine and document linguistic accommodations and other special needs accommodations for students taking LAT who receive special education services 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Other Accommodations for LAT Participants Consult the Accommodations by Category chart for information on accommodations for LAT participants who have other special needs. Available special needs accommodations depend on which test the student is taking— LAT administration of TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS-M 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

LAT & Accommodations By Category Chart When choosing these types of accommodations for a student taking LAT, first consider what academic skills test the student is eligible to take.  A student taking a LAT administration of TAKS test would not be eligible to use a supplemental aid because supplemental aids are not allowed on TAKS.  Students served by special education who take a LAT administration of TAKS (Accommodated) or TAKS-M may be permitted to use of this accommodation, if the supplemental aid conforms to the guidelines in Appendix D of the manual. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

LAT – Accommodations That Do Not Require Documentation The following accommodations from the Accommodations by Category Chart are part of the LAT test administration procedures: Translating test directions Individual and small group administrations Testing over 2 days for LAT administrations of reading and ELA Frequent breaks 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Note that… Accommodation Request Forms are NOT required for the linguistic accommodations used during LAT administrations. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Unschooled Asylees and Refugees House Bill (HB) 3 extended the time for making special assessment allowances for ELLs who are unschooled asylees and refugees Details on the special allowances and available linguistic accommodations for these students may be found in the LPAC Decision-Making Process for the Texas Assessment Program Page 58 of Accommodations Manual. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Linguistic Accommodations for Eligible ELL Asylees and Refugees In LAT grades and subjects, eligible students may be provided allowable linguistic accommodations. In non-LAT grades and subjects, eligible students may be provided allowable linguistic accommodations, but an Accommodation Request Form must be submitted. LAT Grades and Subjects 3-8 and 10 mathematics 3-8 and 10 reading/ELA 5, 8, and 10 science Non-LAT Grades and Subjects 4 and 7 writing 8 and 10 social studies 9 reading and mathematics Exit level – all subjects

Requesting Linguistic Accommodations for Non-LAT Grades and Subjects Accommodation request should: specify that the student qualifies for special provisions as an unschooled asylee/refugee include information explaining why the accommodation is needed Districts should follow accommodation request process outlined in the 2010-2011 Accommodations Manual LPAC should document approved accommodations in student’s permanent record file Remember, ARF not req’d for linguistic accommodations used during LAT administrations. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Accommodation Request Process 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Step 1: Determine Whether Request is Necessary MUST consult Accommodations by Category Chart to determine if Accommodation Request Form is necessary Requests should not be submitted for accommodations that are locally determined Additional information about accommodations for TELPAS on page 29 Contact campus or district testing coordinator when questions arise 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division DRAFT

Step 2: Complete the Accommodation Request Form Follow district policy regarding which staff members may complete Accommodation Request Forms NEVER include confidential student information (first and last name, social security number, IEP) One request form for each student needing an accommodation, even if it lists multiple testing programs, multiple accommodations, and/or multiple administrations Name and/or description of accommodation must be provided 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 2: Complete the Accommodation Request Form What is effective objective evidence? Explanation of disability and how it relates to accommodation Observational narrative describing how student performs with and without accommodation Test scores with and without use of accommodation What is ineffective objective evidence? Vague descriptions that do not clearly indicate student need Information that shows the student is not successful even with an accommodation Evidence of student success when not using the accommodation 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 3: Submit Accommodation Request Form to TEA Online Accommodation Request Form is the preferred method http://www.txetests.com/dev/accdev/ChooseDistrict.asp Attach electronic copies of supplemental aids in a PDF file Online system is not secure, so districts should never submit confidential student information Only submit one request per student District testing coordinator must review each request to determine whether it is necessary and appropriate and, if so, submit to TEA with “signature” Print signature on paper forms Reply to e-mails generated by online Accommodation Request Form 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 3: Submit Accommodation Request Form to TEA Accommodation Request Forms must be received by TEA at least one week prior to testing to ensure enough time to respond. Accommodation Request Forms for a TELPAS reading paper test booklet must be received by TEA at least two weeks prior to testing to allow time for processing the request and shipping materials. Do not assume approval just because a request was submitted. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

UPDATE We respectfully request that Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) users update their Internet Explorer. Please consider using IE v7.0 or greater or access the form using Macintosh’s Safari, or Mozilla’s Firefox browsers. Faxing should only be considered as a last resort as processing faxed requests takes considerably more time. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 4: Review by TEA Request can be: Approved Approved with conditions (e.g., conditions for photocopying secure test material, approved with edits) Denied Decisions are valid during an entire testing cycle, including all retests. TEA will communicate the decision to the district testing coordinator by e-mail or fax. This may take several weeks, although every attempt is made to address requests promptly. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Step 5: Receive TEA Decision Accommodation Request Forms received by fax District testing coordinator receives all accommodation decisions and associated information by fax and relays to campuses. Accommodation Request Forms received via online system District testing coordinator and the individual who originated the request will receive an e-mail communication from TEA. Any accommodation information should then be shared with appropriate campus staff who are responsible for planning for test days. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Providing Accommodations During Instruction and Assessment 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Administering State Assessments with Accommodations Planning for Test Day Communication Training Ensuring Test Security Information regarding test security is found in the District and Campus Coordinator Manual, the Test Security Supplements, and the Test Administrator Training modules. Evaluating and Improving the Use of Accommodations Collect and analyze data on the use and effectiveness of accommodations. Evaluation of a student’s needs is the responsibility of all involved in the education of a particular student. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendices 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix A: Dyslexia Bundled Accommodations No significant changes from last year Available for TAKS and TAKS (Accommodated) reading tests at grades 3-8 Not available for TAKS-M tests or LAT administrations Eligibility determined locally but must be based on the criteria found on page 76 of this manual No Accommodation Request Form required Test directions and proper nouns list provided to test administrators for TAKS (Accommodated) are different from those provided for TAKS. Test administration procedures can be found in the District and Campus Coordinator Manual and the test administration directions. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix A: Oral/Signed Administration No significant changes from last year Available for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS-M mathematics, science, and social studies tests Not available for reading, writing, or ELA tests Eligibility determined locally but must be based on the criteria found on page 78 of this manual No Accommodation Request Form required Test administration procedures can be found in the District and Campus Coordinator Manual and test administration directions. Test administrators should refer to the “Oral Administration” appendix of the appropriate test administration directions for instructions on reading aloud certain types of test items. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests No significant changes from last year Available for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS-M tests in both contracted and uncontracted braille Not available for TELPAS reading tests For information about braille versions of LAT, contact TEA’s Student Assessment Division No Accommodation Request Form required 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Test materials Must be ordered online and will arrive 1 week before testing in a separate shipment from other secure materials One braille form per grade for both TAKS and TAKS (Accommodated), so order TAKS booklet for students designated to take TAKS (Accommodated) Print test booklet included in all braille kits should be used for oral administration and administration of TAKS-M reading, ELA, and writing tests Braille pages are single-sided and braille lines are single- spaced 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Specific Braille Instructions (SBI) Are secure and arrive one week prior to testing with other braille materials; Are posted online one week prior to testing (test administrators should be made aware) Are a supplement to the test administrator directions and include replacement text for parts of those directions Need to be viewed prior to test day to determine materials needed on test Replacement items, if any, are included with SBI so test administrator can substitute them during an oral administration for the items replaced in the print test. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Accommodations An Accommodation Request Form is not required for: computers, low-vision devices, braille paper, pens, crayons, pencils, placeholders, manipulatives specified in specific braille instructions, slate and stylus, electronic note-takers, braille rulers, Cranmer modified abacus, speech-output calculators, periodic table routinely used in the classroom; electronic dictionaries/ thesauruses may be used as a supplemental aid for TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M as allowed in Appendix D. An Accommodation Request Form is required for: any accommodation specified in the Accommodations by Category Chart that requires a request (e.g., extended time) two types of test booklets (e.g., a large-print test booklet in addition to a braille test booklet) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Required test materials For tests that require the availability of a dictionary, students may use an electronic dictionary/thesaurus. For tests that require the availability of a calculator, students may use an audio-graphing calculator (AGC). Refer to the District and Campus Coordinator Manual for those assessments that require the availability of a calculator or dictionary/thesaurus. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Student Response Procedures Responses to open-ended reading items and written composition must fit into space provided on the scorable document Students who use a computer to generate a written response may save periodically during completion, but must be deleted when the student is finished testing. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Braille Tests Transcribing/recording information on scorable document Student responses must be transferred to a scorable document or they will not be scored No field-test items on braille tests, so test administrator will not use last column on TAKS answer document (does not apply to retests) Test administrator marks in TAKS or TAKS ACCOMM section of TEST TAKEN INFO field on the TAKS scorable document depending on which test is designated in IEP Test administrator does not need to record test booklet number or test form number Test administrator must mark braille (BR) bubble and bubble(s) for other accommodations used (P, R, S, and/or T) in the ACCOMMODATIONS (FOR ALL PROGRAMS) field. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Large-Print Tests No significant changes from last year Available for all TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS-M tests, TELPAS reading tests, and LAT administrations Eligibility determined locally, but student must have an impairment in vision (e.g., uncorrected vision, nystagmus, qualifies for Special Education with a Visual Impairment, etc.) AND use large-print materials in instruction and testing. No Accommodation Request Form required if the student meets both eligibility requirements. An Accommodation Request Form is required: For students who don’t meet both eligibility requirements To photocopy and further enlarge a large-print test To use two types of test booklets (e.g., a regular print test in addition to large-print test) For any accommodation in Accommodations by Category Chart that requires a request (e.g., extended time) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Large-Print Tests Test Materials The number of students who need large print should be identified during enrollment periods in the fall or in January (for April testing only) Large-print tests should not be ordered for an entire class District testing coordinators can update order up to two weeks prior to testing for students not included in enrollment periods (e.g., new students to the district) Included with initial secure shipment (except for TELPAS reading) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Large-Print Tests Student Response Procedures Students should insert large colored sheet provided behind the page they are working on to reduce see-through effect and to keep any marks made on page from bleeding through A separate sheet for griddable items is included with large- print tests so students are aware of the number of boxes available for the answer 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix B: Large-Print Tests Transcribing and recording information on a scorable document Student responses must be transferred to a scorable document or they will not be scored Test administrator must mark the large-print (LP) bubble and bubble(s) for other accommodations used (P, R, S, and/or T) in the ACCOMMODATIONS (FOR ALL PROGRAMS) field 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Appendix C was new last year. No significant changes have been made since then; however, clarifying language was added. TEA has not received much feedback about this appendix; however, your feedback is welcome. Make sure educators who work with this population are aware of this appendix. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Who can be a test administrator? Hold valid education credentials or be under supervision of professionals who hold credentials Be trained and sign security oath Deaf educators and certified sign language interpreters who are employees of the district Certified sign language interpreters who are not employees of the district can only facilitate communication between test administrator and students Cannot administer tests or be left unattended with secure test materials Must be trained, sign oath, and be supervised by a certified professional who is an employee of the district 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Specific Accommodations Transcribing Written Composition and Open-Ended Reading Responses Clarifications have been made to this section to better communicate when an Accommodation Request Form is required. If student uses Contact Signs or a sign system that is a strict form of Manually Coded English, student responses should be transcribed word-for-word onto the scorable document. If student uses American Sign Language (ASL) and needs their responses translated into correct English grammar, an Accommodation Request Form must be submitted to TEA for permission to translate a student’s response prior to transcribing it onto the scorable document. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Sign Language Dictionary As a supplemental aid, a grade- or ability-appropriate sign language dictionary may be used (refer to Appendix D). As a required part of standard test administration procedures, a grade-appropriate sign language dictionary may be used in conjunction with the standard English dictionary/thesaurus. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Signing or Amplifying Test Content Only in these cases: oral/signed administration dyslexia bundled administration reading aloud questions/answer choices for TAKS-M reading selections reading aloud portions of TAKS-M reading, ELA, and writing tests Goal = Provide the same level of access to printed information that would be provided to a hearing student who receives an oral presentation for the types of administrations listed above 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Signing Test Content: What sign should the test administrator use? A: Sign exists-use it when the word/phrase occurs in print on the test B: Sign has been locally developed-use it when the word/phrase occurs in print on the test C: If A and B don’t apply, determine whether the word/phrase IS or IS NOT the concept being assessed: IS content being assessed-fingerspell word IS NOT content being assessed-use a reasonable equivalent or expansion 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix C: General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Preparing for a Signed Administration Previewing test content in order to properly prepare for a signed administration is allowed ONLY on the day the test is administered. Follow all standard test security policies outlined in the District and Campus Coordinator Manual. Responding to test items, recording information, or discussing test content is strictly prohibited. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids This appendix has been revised to more clearly communicate how districts can make determinations locally about supplemental aids. Supplemental Aids: Are only for students receiving special education services who take TAKS (Accommodated) or TAKS-M Must be documented in the IEP (and permanent record file if student is also ELL) Are for students who have a disability that affects memory retrieval Should be individualized for each student 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Should not replace the teaching of skills designated in the curriculum Must serve as a tool and not a source of direct answers Should include content relevant only to the student’s grade level Should be factual and error-free Should be concise and well-organized Should be routinely used in classroom instruction and testing if they are to be used on a state assessment May be appropriate for instructional use, but may not be appropriate or allowed for use on a state assessment

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Using Supplemental Aids on State Assessments TAKS Not allowed even if student receives Section 504 services or special education services. TAKS (Accommodated) Allowed if listed in Appendix D; an Accommodation Request Form is not required. For supplemental aids not listed in Appendix D, an Accommodation Request Form is required. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Using Supplemental Aids on State Assessments TAKS-M Allowed if listed in Appendix D; an Accommodation Request Form is not required. Supplemental aids not listed in Appendix D should be reviewed by district/campus personnel using the guidelines on page 91. Training slides outlining the review process for TAKS-M supplemental aids will be posted on the Accommodations Resources webpage at a later date. TELPAS All supplemental aids for grades 2-12 TELPAS reading tests require an Accommodation Request Form. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Each supplemental aid listed in this appendix has been determined to be a tool and not a source of direct answers and is allowed for TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M. Therefore, an Accommodation Request Form is not required. Changes in the allowed supplemental aids for: Mathematics Addition charts may be used. A list of words for the numbers 0-9 and the multiples of 10 up to 100 may be used. Pictorial models of real or play money, clocks, base-ten blocks, various types of counters, and algebra tiles may be used. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Mathematics, continued Pictorial models of two and three-dimensional figures may be used and may be labeled with only words and/or variables that appear on the grade-appropriate mathematics chart (except for the name of a figure and its attributes) provided by TEA. For example, if a pictorial model of a triangle is used, labeling the base and height with the words and the variables b and h would be allowed because they appear on the mathematics chart, but identifying a vertex or a side would not be allowed. Blank graphic organizers may be used. A description of the process needed to solve a problem was removed from Appendix D and now requires the submission and approval of an Accommodation Request Form. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Reading/ELA (reading selections) Definitions of literary terms may no longer be used Blank graphic organizers may be used Writing/ELA (open-ended reading items, written composition, and revising and editing section) 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Appendix D: Supplemental Aids Social Studies New language regarding blank timelines has been inserted: “labeling cannot be text or pictures” Blank graphic organizers may be used Science New language regarding graphics has been inserted: “Graphics may not contain titles, words, labels, acronyms, numbers, or symbols.” * Addition charts may be used Multiplication charts may be used *A correction has been made to the 2010-2011 Accommodations Manual , and the word “pictures” has been removed from this language in science. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Frequently Asked Questions 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

How specific does an ARD committee need to be when documenting supplemental aids? The IEP documentation should connect the supplemental aids that a student uses to his/her present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP). How do the supplemental aids ensure access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE)? Why does the student need these supplemental aids? It would be a good idea to specifically document (or attach copies of) what the student currently uses, but include a statement that allows for additional supplemental aids that a student may need as new skills are introduced. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

The IEP documentation should be specific enough that a teacher knows what supplemental aids a student needs in order to be successful. Think… If the student left my school tomorrow and enrolled in a new school, would the IEP inform the new teacher about the types of supplemental aids the student needs in order to be successful? If a new student entered my classroom tomorrow, what information would I want the IEP to include so I could provide the student with the appropriate supplemental aids? 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

If a supplemental aid is approved for TAKS (Accommodated), would the same supplemental aid be allowed for a TAKS-M student? Yes (page 91), if there is objective evidence of student need. TEA determinations about supplemental aids that have been requested for TAKS (Accommodated) can be used as a guide when determining whether an aid may be used for TAKS–M. Example: If TEA determined that a supplemental aid was denied for TAKS (Accommodated) because it was a source of direct answers, the supplemental aid would not be allowed for TAKS–M. Example: If TEA determined that a supplemental aid required revisions before it was allowed for TAKS (Accommodated), the same revisions would be required before the supplemental aid could be used for TAKS–M. An Accommodation Request Form should not be submitted for supplemental aids used on TAKS–M. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Is there a limit to the number of pages for a supplemental aid? All supplemental aids should: be concise and well-organized contain ONLY information a student needs to address specific areas of weakness… INDIVIDUALIZE In most cases a supplemental aid should be about one page, but definitely not longer than a few pages. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

What is the difference between a supplemental aid and a manipulative? These two terms are defined in the Accommodations by Category Chart (page 25). A supplemental aid is a resource that assists a student in recalling information. Supplemental aids are generally provided on paper. Manipulatives are concrete objects that a student can move and touch in order to visualize abstract concepts. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Can a supplemental aid that has been approved by TEA in previous years be used on TAKS (Accommodated) in subsequent years without resubmitting an Accommodation Request Form? No (page 68). Accommodation requests that are approved are valid during an entire testing cycle, including all retest administrations. If a student needs the accommodation in subsequent years, a new Accommodation Request Form must be submitted. Yearly evaluation of the accommodations a student needs should be a part of all educational programs. Information may support the continued use of some accommodations for a student or require the rethinking of others. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Can other students use a supplemental aid that has been approved by TEA for one student? No (page 92). TEA approval of a supplemental aid for one student does not apply to all students who use that supplemental aid. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Can mnemonic devices be used in combination with pictures on TAKS (Accommodated) or TAKS-M? It depends on the subject. Mathematics: Mnemonic devices that are acronyms and/or phrases may be used (page 93). Reading/ELA/Writing: Mnemonic devices that are acronyms, phrases, words, pictures, or a combination of these may be used (pages 95-96). Social Studies: Mnemonic devices that are acronyms may be used (page 97). Science: Mnemonic devices that are acronyms and/or phrases may be used (page 98). 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

What does “routinely used” mean? Accommodations should be routinely used in classroom instruction and testing (pages 13-14). “Routinely used” does not necessarily mean that the accommodation must be used during every lesson on every day. A student must be familiar enough with an accommodation that he/she is able to use it effectively on the day of the test. Do not provide a new or unfamiliar accommodation to a student during a state assessment. A student unaccustomed to using a particular accommodation may be hindered rather than helped by accommodations not routinely used. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Is there an index for the Accommodations Manual? No. But you can use the “Find” or “Search” feature on your computer and type in a key word. This will take you to every place in the manual where this key word is mentioned. For instance, use CONTROL F and type in “routine” to find all references to the phrase “routinely used.” 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Miscellaneous 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

Updates and training opportunities can be found on the Accommodations Resources page at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment /resources/accommodations Information about accommodations for the STAAR program beginning in 2011-2012 will be posted as it becomes available. Teacher Tools that are listed on the Accommodations Resources page will be updated soon and will replace the versions from last year. 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

2010-2011 Special Education Assessments TETN Schedule 8/18/2010 (#7928) 2010-2011 Accommodations Manual 9/1/2010 (#7929) TAKS-ALT training and general updates 9/15/2010 (#7930) 2010-2011 ARD Manual 10/8/2010 (#8301) Accessing TAKS-ALT Online System 11/3/2010 (#7931) General Updates and a review of changes to online system 1/5/2010 (#7932) Accountability and updates to TAKS-ALT procedures 3/24/2010 (#7933) Questions concerning upcoming tests and the close of the TAKS-ALT submission window 5/12/2010 (#7960) Preview for 2011-2012 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division

TEA Student Assessment Division Contact Information Phone: (512) 463-9536 FAX: (512) 463-9302 E-mail: Test.Accommodations@tea.state.tx.us 8/18/2010 TETN #7928 TEA Student Assessment Division