STAAR STATE ASSESSMENT INFORMATIONAL SESSION FOR PARENTS Fall

STAAR 2 Grades 3–8 include assessments of mathematics, reading, writing, science, and social studies at different grade levels. In addition, STAAR Spanish is available for all tested subjects in grades 3–5. STAAR End- of-Course (EOC) assessments are available for Algebra I, English I, English II, biology, and U.S. history.

STAAR, with or without allowable or approved accommodations*, should be the first consideration. 9/24/2014 DRAFT Texas Education Agency – Student Assessment Division 3 *Refer to the 2015 Accommodation Triangle

Students with disabilities  A student may be eligible for accommodations on a state assessment if he or she  receives special education services and meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations  receives Section 504 services and meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations  does not receive special education or Section 504 services but has a disabling condition and meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations (i.e., general education) DRAFT Texas Education Agency's Student Assessment Division 4

ACCOMMODATIONS  The decision to use an accommodation during a state assessment is made on an individual student basis and considers the needs of the student and whether the student routinely receives the accommodation during classroom instruction and testing. 5

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STAAR L 7 A linguistically accommodated English version of the STAAR grades 3–8 and EOC assessments in mathematics, science, and social studies for English language learners (ELLs) who meet participation requirements. The passing standards for STAAR L are the same as any STAAR assessment.

STAAR A 8 An accommodated version of all STAAR grades 3–8 and EOC assessments for students receiving special education services and students identified with dyslexia or a related disorder receiving Section 504 services who meet specific eligibility criteria. The passing standards for STAAR A are the same as any STAAR assessment.

STAAR A Eligibility Requirements 9/24/2014 9

Classroom Accommodations and the Link to STAAR A  Accommodations used on STAAR A offer new opportunities for students with disabilities to meaningfully access the required state assessment.  TEA accommodation policies and STAAR A Eligibility Requirements indicate that accommodations documented for use during a statewide assessment should  be made on an individual basis,  consider the needs of the student, and  be routinely used during classroom instruction and testing.  Although students will not routinely use the computer-based STAAR A accommodations during classroom instruction, they may use variations of the accommodations. 9/24/2014 DRAFT Texas Education Agency – Student Assessment Division 10

Introduction to STAAR A  STAAR A will be administered online and will include online tools, embedded accommodations to selections and test questions, and accessibility features. *These tools are subject-specific and only appear in subject tests where they are relevant. 9/24/2014 DRAFT Texas Education Agency – Student Assessment Division 11 ToolsEmbedded Accommodations Accessibility Features Answer EliminatorPop-upsText-to-Speech HighlighterRolloversZoom EraserBlank Graphic OrganizersColor and Contrast PencilWriting ChecklistsPlace Marker Notepad Dot Tool* Line Tool* Ruler* Calculator* Reference Materials*

Sample STAAR A Tutorial 9/24/

Where can I find information about STAAR A?  While the TEA website is being updated, information will be posted sporadically.  In the meantime, go to for information about STAAR A.  Once the new TEA website has been completed, you can access information about STAAR A on the STAAR A webpage. 9/24/2014 DRAFT Texas Education Agency – Student Assessment Division 13

STAAR ALTERNATE 2 14 An assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities receiving special education services. Additionally, students must meet participation requirements.

STAAR Alternate 2 Eligibility requirements 15

Resources  CAMPUS: Special Education Department Chair- Richard Wiggins Section 504 Coordinator- Sherry Mireles Campus Test Coordinator -Celia Collard  DISTRICT: Special Education Department- Annie Unruh Testing Department- Carol Nietenhoefer 16