OK Department of Career Technology Education November 2014 Accommodations: Level the Playing Field for Equality and Fairness Claudia Otto, Ph.D. Disability Services Specialist OK Department of Career Technology Education November 2014

The Theory Leveling the playing field is a concept of fairness. Equal is not always Fair. Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

The Playing Field A metaphorical playing field is said to be level if… no external interference affects the ability of the players to compete fairly. Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

What To Do??? How can we level the playing field? One way is by using accommodations. Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Disability vs. Accessibility Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Provisions to Uphold Tech centers must… make accommodations/modifications to academic requirements necessary to ensure the requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of disability make “reasonable” accommodations/modifications to policies, practices, or procedures when the accommodations/modifications are necessary to avoid discriminating on the basis of a disability Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Certification and Job??? Don’t get caught up that a student will not pass the certification exam No legal justification to exclude student from enrollment just because they may not pass the certification or potentially get a job in the future Educate the student but also be truthful! Communication must be as effective as communication with non-disabled persons Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

What is an Accommodation ??? A change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability BUT… A student is expected to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Accommodations… Play a critical role in teaching and learning More appropriately assess students’ true potential Support learning and a student’s ability to show what they know they can do Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Accommodations for Success Address the unique needs that result from the student’s disability Need to be individualized for students performance ability and level Based upon a student’s learning needs, styles, and interests Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

So, Accommodations… …are intended to reduce or eliminate the effects of a student’s disability. They do not reduce learning expectations; they provide equitable access to the curriculum! …level the playing field for all students to have opportunities to achieve goals. Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Types of Accommodations Accommodations in… Presentation Response Setting Timing and Scheduling Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Presentation Affect the way directions and content are delivered to students Students with visual, hearing, and learning disabilities are much more able to engage in the content when presented in a form they can understand Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Presentation Examples Copy of Lecture Notes / Study Guides Braille and Nemeth Code Tactile Graphics Oral Reading Manipulative Large Print Audio Amplification Devices Magnification Devices Sign Language Screen Reader Nemeth Code is a specific type of Braille used for math and science notations Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Response Offer different ways for students to respond to assessment questions Help students with visual and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and organizational problems to structure, monitor, or directly put words to paper Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Response Examples Sign Language Using a Computer or a Scribe to Record Answers Using an Augmentative Communication Device or other Assistive Technology Using a Brailler Responding Directly in Test Booklet vs. Answer Sheet Using Organizational Devices (including calculation devices, spelling / grammar assistive devices, visual organizers, or graphic organizers) Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Setting Affect either where the test is taken or the way in which the environment is set up Changing the environment is especially helpful to students who are easily distracted Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Setting Examples Administering Test Individually Testing in a Separate Location Testing in a Small Group or One-On-One Adjusting the Lighting Providing Noise Buffers (such a headphones, earphones, or earplugs) Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Timing/Scheduling Allow flexibility in the timing of an assessment For students who need more time to process information or need breaks throughout long processes to regroup and refocus Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Timing / Scheduling Examples Extended Time Multiple or Frequent Breaks Change in Testing Schedule Change in Order of Subjects Testing over Multiple Days Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Judgment of Accommodations If nondisabled students also make gains when given the same accommodations as students with disabilities, then there are questions about fairness and integrity in the testing situation Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Research Shows… Accommodations policies vary from state to state Approx. 2/3 of SpEd students have been afforded accommodations in statewide assessments Most commonly given accommodations are: alternative setting, extended time, and read aloud Accommodations affect test scores: higher / lower Lower test scores are primarily due to mismatched accommodations to student need or lack of sufficient opportunity to practice using an accommodations Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

CRC Accommodation Guidelines Large Print Braille Readers (clear, even voice tone with pacing) Signer (sign language interpreter) Response Assistance (mark answers, turn pages, write out the problem, operate the calculator) Computer-Based Work Station Foreign Language Dictionary for English Language Learners Sign Language is different Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

In Conclusion… For students with disabilities being able to show what has been learned is greatly improved when teacher provided individualized instruction and appropriate accommodations in the classroom and in testing situations Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist September 20, 2018

Thank You !!! Claudia Otto, Ph.D. Disability Services Specialist Oklahoma Department of CareerTech 405-743-5596 claudia.otto@careertech.ok.gov Thank You !!! September 20, 2018