Accommodations for Student Assessment Revised ARD Decision Making Process

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Today’s Purpose To provide an update of the Accommodations Manual To provide an update of the revised manual to seasoned ARDC trainers. To emphasize critical concepts in the process of making appropriate assessment decisions for students receiving special education services.

Reminders This session does not replace the need for you to thoroughly read the 2008-2009 Accommodations Manual “Revised ARD Committee Decision-Making Process for the Texas Assessment Program – Reference Manual for the 2008-2009 Testing Year”

Who Needs to be Trained District Level Campus Level Superintendents Testing coordinators Curriculum directors Special education administrators Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinators Campus Level Principals and other administrators Test administrators Educational Diagnosticians Licensed Specialists in School Psychology Counselors Teachers Special education staff Bilingual/ESL staff Parents

Components of the Texas Student Assessment Program 2008-2009

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) measures a student’s mastery of the state-mandated curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). TAKS includes a form called TAKS (Accommodated) for students receiving special education services who meet the eligibility criteria for specific accommodations. This is a general assessment based on the same grade-level academic achievement standards as TAKS. The TAKS (Accommodated) form includes format changes (larger font, fewer items per page) and contains no embedded field-test items. TAKS Accommodated) is administered in the same grades and subjects as TAKS, including all retest opportunities. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), is administered in English for Grades 3–9 reading Grades 3–10 and exit level mathematics Grades 4 and 7 writing Grade 10 and exit level English language arts (ELA) Grades 5, 8, 10, and exit level science Grades 8, 10, and exit level social studies TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), is administered in Spanish for Grades 3–6 reading Grades 3–6 mathematics Grade 4 writing Grade 5 science Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008-2009 Texas Student Assessment Program TAKS–Modified (TAKS–M) is an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards and is designed for students receiving special education services who meet participation requirements for TAKS–M. Each test covers the same grade-level content as TAKS, but TAKS–M tests have been changed in format (larger font, fewer items per page, etc.) and test design (fewer answer choices, simpler vocabulary and sentence structure, etc.). Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008-2009 Texas Student Assessment Program TAKS–M is administered at the same grades and subjects as TAKS, with Student Success Initiative (SSI) retest opportunities offered beginning in spring 2009. Students who take TAKS–M are still eligible to receive the benefits of SSI such as accelerated instruction and remediation as appropriate. However, retest opportunities for grade 11 will not be available for TAKS–M. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008-2009 Texas Student Assessment Program TAKS–Modified (TAKS–M) According to federal regulations, students who take TAKS–M are not held to the same graduation requirements as students who take TAKS. Because of these students’ disabilities, their IEP Teams [ARD committees] are reasonably certain they will not achieve grade-level proficiency within the year covered by their IEPs.” 72 Fed. Reg. 17749 (April 9, 2007) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program TAKS–Alternate (TAKS–Alt) An alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards Administered at the same grades and subjects as TAKS Designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements. Not a traditional paper or multiple-choice test Involves teachers observing students as they complete state-developed assessment tasks that link to the grade-level TEKS curriculum Teachers evaluate student performance based on the dimensions of the TAKS–Alt rubric Teachers submit results through an online instrument SSI and grade 11 retests are not applicable to this population of students or this form of assessment. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program 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 federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). LAT administrations are available for Grades 3–8 reading and grade 10 ELA Grades 3–8 and 10 mathematics Grades 5, 8, and 10 science Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program LAT administrations are available for LEP-exempt recent immigrant ELLs receiving special education services for whom TAKS, including TAKS Accommodated), and TAKS–M are appropriate. Spanish-version LAT forms are available for TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), in grades 3–6 but are not available for TAKS–M. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Components of the 2008–2009 Texas Student Assessment Program Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) assesses the progress that ELLs make in learning the English language. TELPAS is composed of holistically rated assessments and multiple-choice assessments. The TELPAS holistically rated assessments are based on student observations and written student work. These assessments are administered for Grades K–1 listening, speaking, writing, and reading Grades 2–12 listening, speaking, and writing The TELPAS multiple-choice reading assessments for grades 2–12 will be administered as an online testing program beginning in spring 2009. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Student Success Initiative (SSI)

Student Success Initiative Students who take TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS–M are part of the SSI grade advancement requirements. TAKS–Alt will continue to be unaffected by the SSI requirements because the testing window is January 5–April 10, 2009, and multiple testing opportunities are already part of the TAKS–Alt process. English language learners (ELLs) who participate in LAT are not subject to SSI requirements. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Student Success Initiative However, non-exempt ELLs who take TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), in English or Spanish, or TAKS–M are subject to the SSI grade advancement requirements. In the case of a student receiving special education services, the ARD and the language proficiency assessment committee (LPAC) should collaborate to determine appropriate assessment options. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Student Success Initiative A student who takes TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS–M is allowed three testing opportunities to meet the passing standard. If the student does not meet the passing standard, a GPC is formed to develop an accelerated instruction plan (AIP) and make promotion decisions for the student. For students receiving special education services, the ARD committee functions as the GPC. The role of the ARD committee in making decisions about students subject to SSI requirements is defined in the following Texas Administrative Code 101.2003. (See page 32.) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Texas Student Assessment Program 2008 - 2009 Accommodations Manual Guidelines for Selecting, Administering, and Evaluating the Use of Accommodations for All Students

Purpose of Manual To provide guidance in selecting, administering, and evaluating the use of accommodations in instruction and assessment to ARD committees, Section 504 committees, LPACs, administrators, and district/campus-level assessment staff. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Purpose of Manual To help districts understand the importance of: Achieving grade-level academic standards Learning about accommodations for assessment Selecting accommodations for assessment of individual students Administering appropriate accommodations during assessment Evaluating and improving accommodations use Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Achieving Grade-Level Academic Content Standards Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Achieving Grade-Level Academic Content Standards The Texas Student Assessment Program is designed to reflect the rigor of the TEKS and meet federal and state requirements for holding schools accountable for helping students achieve grade-level academic content standards. Assessments must meet requirements of NCLB (2001), IDEA (2004), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), and Texas Education Code. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Learning About Accommodations for Assessment Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Learning About Accommodations for Assessment Why are accommodations needed? To provide equitable access to grade-level curriculum during instruction and assessment for all students, To reduce or eliminate the effects of the student’s disability or limitation on without reducing learning expectations, To give students accommodations they will need at home, in the community, in post secondary studies and the workplace. It is critical to note that although some accommodations may be appropriate for instructional use, they may not be appropriate to use on a standardized assessment. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Learning About Accommodations for Assessment Four Accommodations Categories – 1. Presentation (P) – allow students to access information in alternate formats to regular print. These alternate modes of access include auditory, multi-sensory, tactile, and visual 2. Response(R) - allow students to complete activities, assignments, and assessments using methods other than paper-and-pencil or machine-scorable responses. May also include allowing students to solve or organize problems using some type of supplemental aid (e.g., multiplication chart, blank graphic organizer). Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Learning About Accommodations for Assessment Four Accommodations Categories (continued) 3. Setting (S)- change the location in which a test or assignment is given or the conditions of the assessment setting. 4. Timing and Scheduling (T)- increase the standard length of time to complete an assignment or assessment or possibly change the way the time is organized. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Educators must be knowledgeable about the TEKS and state and district assessments to ensure that students with disabilities are engaged in standards-based instruction and assessment. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Effective decision making about the provision of appropriate accommodations begins with making good instructional decisions. Making appropriate instructional decisions is facilitated by gathering and reviewing good information about the student’s disability or linguistic needs and present level of performance in relation to the TEKS. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Decisions should be based on individual needs, not for a whole class or a particular disability. Selection is more than checking boxes on “compliance” documents. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Teachers, parents, students, ARDC members, and/or LPAC committee in coordination with appropriate school and district personnel select accommodations for instruction and assessment. Questions to guide the selection of appropriate accommodations are on pages 22-23 of the Accommodations Manual. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Plan how and when the student will learn to use each new accommodation. Be certain there is ample time for the student to learn to use instructional and assessment accommodations before an assessment takes place. Plan for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the student’s use of accommodations. Teacher Tools 1, 2, and 3 in Appendix C provide additional assistance in selecting appropriate accommodations. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Documenting Accommodation Use Decisions to use specific accommodations should take into account the needs of the student and whether the student routinely receives the accommodation in classroom instruction and testing. Documentation for students receiving special education services or Section 504 services must be in the student’s IEP or individual accommodation plan (IAP). Linguistic accommodations for a LEP-exempt student must be documented by the LPAC and kept in the student’s permanent record. Documentation for other students should be kept according to local policies. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Documenting Accommodation Use Accommodations approved for use on statewide assessments must be recorded by category on the scorable document. 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. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Involving Students in Selecting, Using and Evaluating Accommodations For success in school and life it is critical for all students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and learn self advocacy strategies. Student will more likely use accommodations if they’re involved in selecting, using and evaluating allowable accommodations. Students need opportunities to learn which accommodations are most helpful to them and how to make use of those in their classes. More information about involving students in accommodation decisions is reflected in Teacher Tools 3 & 5 in Appendix C. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Accommodations by Category Charts describe accommodations, eligible tests, conditions for use, and Accommodation Request Form requirements. Presentation Accommodations – Pages 25 - 28 Response Accommodations – Pages 29 - 33 Setting Accommodations – Page 34 Timing and Scheduling Accommodations – Pages 35 – 36 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

These abbreviations represent the accommodation category that should be bubbled on the scorable document. In most cases, the abbreviation will correspond to the four accommodation categories of presentation, response, setting, and timing and scheduling (P, R, S, or T). For large print, braille, the Dyslexia Bundle, and oral administration, though, the test administrator will bubble LP, BR, DB, and/or OA, respectively. It is not necessary to bubble any other category unless the student received additional accommodations. For online administrations, the test administrator would record the accommodation category after testing is completed. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

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. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

The asterisk means that this accommodation is applicable only for paper administrations of grades 2-12 TELPAS reading tests. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

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. . Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

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). Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

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. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Key Changes to Accommodation Policy Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Large Print (page 25) 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 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Reading Aloud Questions and Answers on TAKS-M Reading (p.27) 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. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Sign/Translate Directions (p.28) 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 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Other Methods of Response (p. 29) Clarifying language included to explain role of scribe during different administrations Written composition Open-ended reading responses Computation and notes Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Spelling Assistance (p. 30) 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) TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS-M 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 Required dictionaries/thesaurus for certain grades and subjects are not considered an accommodation but a required part of test administration procedures Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Calculation Devices (p. 31) Specific conditions must be met Disability affecting math calculation, not reasoning Disability affecting physical reproduction of numbers TAKS (Accommodated) Accommodation Request Form required for grades 3-6 mathematics and 5 science ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for 7-8 TAKS-M 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 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Manipulatives (page 32) Assists students with visualizing abstract concepts 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 TAKS (Accommodated) Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed TAKS-M ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Extended Time (2 days to test) (p. 35) 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 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students TAKS-Alt Testing Accommodations Students assessed with TAKS Alt may have whatever accommodations and supports are routinely and successfully used for the student to access grade-level content and be as independent as possible. Supports should not alter the complexity level of the assessment task. Examples of TAKS-Alt Presentation Supports/Materials- p. 37 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Supplemental Aids (page 32) 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 Separate appendix lists aids that are allowable for eligible students for TAKS (Accommodated) without an Accommodation Request Form (Appendix F, pages 101-103) TAKS (Accommodated) - Accommodation Request Form required for all grades if the aid is not listed in appendix TAKS-M - ARD committee decision and no Accommodation Request Form required for all grades Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Selecting Accommodations for Assessment of Individual Students Accommodations Request Process (Appendix D pages 81 – 90 ) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Accommodation Request Process The District Testing Coordinator is responsible for reviewing and submitting to TEA only those Accommodation Request Forms (ARF) 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, and answering questions from schools. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Accommodation Request Process Requests may be submitted for accommodations not covered in this manual accommodations that require the submission of an ARF 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 Submit Accommodation Request Forms online starting December 2008 by fax E-mail: test.accomodations@tea.state.tx.us by mail in rare situations Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Accommodation Request Process 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, etc.) Request must be received by TEA at least two weeks prior to testing to ensure enough time to respond If an accommodation requires the submission of an Accommodation Request Form, the student may not use the accommodation unless approved by TEA Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Administering Assessments with Accommodations Accommodations During Assessment Ensure that test administrators: know what accommodations each student will use, and how to administer the accommodations properly. Staff administering accommodations must adhere to specific guidelines so that the student scores are valid. All educators must know and understand the requirements, procedures and consequences related to administering district and state assessments, including the use of accommodations. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Evaluating and Improving the Use of Accommodations Collecting and analyzing data on the use and effectiveness of accommodations helps ensure the meaningful participation of all students in state and district wide assessments. Campus or district data may reveal questionable patterns of accommodations use or may support the continued use of some accommodations but require the rethinking of others. Examination of data may indicate areas in which personnel need additional training or support. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Evaluating and Improving the Use of Accommodations Districts may also want to gather information at the student level to evaluate the use of accommodations through ARD, LPAC, and Section 504 committees. Observations, interviews, test results, and other data can be used to guide the formative evaluation process and decisions at the district, campus and student level. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Linguistically Accommodated Testing (LAT) 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. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

TELPAS Reading Online 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 A paper test booklet may be used in such cases if approved by TEA 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 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix A Participation Requirements, by Assessment TAKS-M Participation Requirements (Page 59) TAKS-Alt Participation Requirements (Page 60) LAT Participation Requirements (Page 61) TELPAS Participation Requirements (Page 62) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix B – Eligibility Criteria for Specific Accommodations Dyslexia Bundled Accommodations – TAKS and TAKS (Accommodated) Reading (Pages 65-66) Oral Administration – TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated) and TAKS – M in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies (Pages 67-68) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix C – Teacher Tools Teacher Tool 1: Accommodations at a Glance (p. 71-72) Teacher Tool 2: Guidelines When Selecting Accommodations (p. 73) Teacher Tool 3: Access Needs that May Require Accommodations (p. 74-75) Teacher Tool 4: Logistics Planning Checklist (p. 76) Teacher Tool 5: Accommodations from the Student’s Perspective (p. 77) Teacher Tool 6: Assessment Accommodation Plan (p. 78) Teacher Tool 7: Assessment Accommodation Agreement (p. 79) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix D – Accommodations Request Process (pages 83 – 86) Sample and blank Accommodation Request Form (pages 87 – 89) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix E – General Instructions for Braille and Large-Print Tests General Instructions for Administering Braille and Large-Print Tests (pages 93 – 97) Appendix F – Examples of Allowable Supplemental Aids for TAKS (Accommodated) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix G – Point Size and Font Matrix TAKS Point Sizes (page 107) TAKS (Accommodated) Point Sizes (page 108) TAKS – M Point Sizes (page 109) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix H – Glossary Terms Defined as Used in the Texas Student Assessment Program (pages 113 – 116) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendix I – Resources Resource list (page 119 – 121) TAKS Information Booklets TELPAS Reading Information Booklet Grade Placement Committee (GPC) Manual LPAC Decision-Making Process for the Texas Assessment Program Procedural Manual TAKS Study Guides ARD Decision-Making Process for Texas Assessment Program Manual TEA website information TAKS-M and TAKS-Alt pages Technical Digest Interpreting Assessment Reports Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Assessment Decisions for the Special Education Student

Assessment Decisions Texas Student Assessment Program: reflects rigor of the TEKS curriculum seeks to include as many students as possible in TAKS provides alternative assessments for students whose academic achievement and progress cannot be measured appropriately by TAKS Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Assessment Decisions TAKS (including TAKS Accommodated) should be the assessment administered to the majority of students Districts, campuses, and classroom teachers are responsible to provide instruction, opportunities, and support to students to promote success on the general curriculum All students have the right to be exposed to as much of the TEKS curriculum as possible so that they can reach their academic potential) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Assessment Decisions TAKS -M and TAKS-Alt have specific participation requirement that must be carefully considered The participation requirements describe the type of grade-level instruction of the TEKS (modified or accessed through prerequisite skills) Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Federal Requirements for the Assessment of Students with Disabilities Assessment Decisions Federal Requirements for the Assessment of Students with Disabilities State Assessments General assessment (with or without accommodations) TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated) Alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (2%) TAKS–M Alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards (1%) TAKS–Alt Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Assessment Decisions ARD Committees must choose the assessment that best matches the educational needs of each student. ARD Committees should promote high expectation in determining annual measurable goals documented in each student’s IEP. Academic instructional decisions documented in the IEP must always guide assessment decisions. Assessment decisions should be based on the IEP, CSR, and other relevant information. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Assessment Decisions Assessment decisions for each subject area test should be considered separately. Exception… TAKS-Alt – A student who meets the participation requirements will take TAKS-Alt for all subjects required for the enrolled grade. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

What Happens in the ARD Meeting? Items are covered in a logical order!! Topics are discussed and they build upon one another … THE AGENDA

The Four Steps: Making Assessment Decisions and Considering Needed Accommodations Review the student’s current information to determine the student’s present level of functioning. Step 2 Determine how the student receives TEKS instruction and the student’s level of performance on the grade-level curriculum. Step 3 Determine the appropriate assessment for the student: TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), TAKS–M, or TAKS–Alt. Step 4 Document the appropriate assessment along with all allowable or approved accommodations that the student will need during testing. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Making Assessment Decisions and Considering Needed Accommodations Step 3 (continued) Determine the appropriate assessment for the student: TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), TAKS–M, or TAKS–Alt. Scenarios – pages 20 – 23 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

LEP Students Receiving Special Education -Making Assessment Decisions When a student receiving special education services is limited English proficient (LEP), the student’s ARD committee must work in conjunction with the student’s language proficiency assessment committee (LPAC) to ensure that issues related to both the student’s disability and language proficiency are carefully considered. Depending on the amount of English they have acquired, some LEP students may qualify for a LEP exemption (i.e., an exemption based on limited English proficiency) from TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), or from TAKS–M. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

LEP Exemptions for Students Receiving Special Education Services The state LEP exemption policy, which applies to immigrant LEP students, includes immigrant LEP students receiving special education services. Eligible immigrant LEP students receiving special education services may qualify for a LEP exemption from TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), or TAKS–M during their first three years of enrollment in U.S. schools. The LPAC and ARD committee are to work in conjunction to determine LEP exemption eligibility by using the criteria defined in the LPAC manual. If a student is LEP-exempt from an assessment, the ARD committee must document the reason for the exemption in the student’s IEP, and the LPAC must document the reason for the exemption in the student’s permanent record file. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

LEP Exemptions for Students Receiving Special Education Services LEP-exempt recent immigrants receiving special education services who receive TEKS instruction must participate in LAT administrations in designated grades and subjects. LEP-exempt immigrants receiving special education services are able to receive accommodations that address both their special education needs and needs as recent immigrant English language learners. LAT administrations of TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated), and TAKS–M are available in the following grades and subjects: Reading/ELA and mathematics, grades 3–8 and 10 Science, grades 5, 8, and 10 Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

LEP Exemptions for Students Receiving Special Education Services Spanish-version assessments are available in grades 3–6 for LAT administrations of TAKS, including TAKS (Accommodated). LAT administrations of TAKS–M are not available in Spanish. Test booklets used for LAT administrations are available in large print. With the exception of TAKS–M, braille versions of LAT administrations are not available. Neither LEP exemptions nor LAT administrations apply to recent immigrants who qualify for TAKS–Alt. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

LEP Exemptions for Students Receiving Special Education Services The linguistic accommodations used in LAT administrations must be consistent with the linguistic accommodations used with the student in routine reading/ELA, mathematics, and science instruction and testing. ARD committees and LPACs must work in conjunction on decisions regarding LAT assessments and accommodations. For a LEP-exempt recent immigrant receiving special education services, the ARD committee must document LAT decisions in the student’s IEP, and the LPAC must document decisions in the student’s permanent record file It is important to note that LEP students who do not qualify for an exemption on the basis of limited English proficiency are subject to the same assessment requirements as non-LEP students. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) Components TELPAS measures the learning of English according to a second language acquisition continuum that reflects distinct stages of second language development. TELPAS is composed of multiple-choice reading tests and holistically rated assessments. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Participation Guidelines for the TELPAS Grades 2–12 Reading Tests TELPAS reading tests for grades 2–12 are designed to determine where LEP students are on the continuum of English-language reading proficiency and to measure their growth from year to year. With rare exceptions, as of the 2008–2009 school year the TELPAS reading tests will be administered exclusively online. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Participation Guidelines for the TELPAS Grades 2–12 Reading Tests LEP exemptions (exemptions on the basis of limited English proficiency) are not permitted from the TELPAS reading tests, as these tests are designed specifically for English language learners. TELPAS reading should be an appropriate assessment for most LEP students receiving special education services who are receiving TEKS instruction in reading. Exceptions include students who need a braille version (since braille versions of TELPAS reading tests are not available) and students whose reading instruction is below the level of reading simple words and sentences. In such cases, the ARD committee and LPAC may collaboratively decide that the student’s special education needs prevent an appropriate measurement of growth in English reading proficiency and an exemption will be allowed. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Participation Guidelines for the TELPAS Holistically Rated Components LEP students receiving special education services should be observed and rated in a domain if their IEP includes TEKS instruction in that domain on at least a kindergarten level. The decision to administer the holistically rated assessments in one or more domains should be addressed by the ARD committee in conjunction with the LPAC and documented in the student’s IEP and permanent record file. Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Appendices Appendix A – Participation Requirements Appendix B – Accommodations Appendix C – Confidential Student Reports Appendix D – Charts Appendix E – Glossary Appendix F – Contact Information, Resources, Laws Provided by: Education Service Center Region XI • 3001 North Freeway • Fort Worth • Texas • 76106 • www.esc11.net

Recommended pages to use for your campus training. Accommodations Manual Pages 25 - 36 Pages 101 – 103 ARD Decision Making Manual Pages 2, 4, 5, 10, 14 Pages 15-25 Pages 45, 47, 50