1. STAAR Accessibility for 2018

2. What are Accommodations?
Accommodations, or designated supports, are changes to materials or procedures that enable students to access learning and testing. It is important to keep in mind that while some accommodations may be appropriate for instructional use, they may not be appropriate or allowable on a statewide assessment. 
Accommodations are not intended to be a source of direct answers on the assessments.

3. What Students are Eligible for an Accommodation on the STAAR
Depending on the student eligibility criteria, a student may be eligible for a Designated Support if they are
Receiving services under Section 504, special education services, an ELL receiving service, does not include a LEP denial unless receiving services due to a disability, or the decision is made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level (MTSS – see district guidelines)
Note: Not all accommodations are available to all students

4. What are the Teacher Responsibilities
Teachers must take from the accommodations that are provided during classroom instruction and testing and then align the student’s eligibility to what the allowable accommodations by the state would be on a given assessment.
If the student meets the eligibility requirements per TEA Policy for each accommodation, then the teacher must provide to the committee the evidence of effectiveness prior to the accommodation being assigned.
Evidence of effectiveness is data from student performance with and without the accommodation on classroom instructional endeavors and assessments that verifies the need. Data is quantifiable for each accommodation.

5. Documentation Requirements
Teachers are required to sign the evidence of effectiveness statement on the Accommodation Form. Committees need to confirm that they have seen the evidence.
Accommodations may not be given without evidence of effectiveness in classroom instruction and assessments.

6. Committee Decision In accordance with Administrative Procedure E11:
ALL special program students’ test assignments and accommodations MUST be assigned three weeks prior to state testing. The ONLY applicable exceptions are for students NEW to the district or who have NEWLY qualified for a program.

7. STAAR Accessibility Updates for 2018
New and updated online embedded supports and tools
Policy changes:
Dictionaries for reading and writing no longer a designated support, part of the STAAR Dictionary Policy now
Projection devices and amplification devices moved to accessibility features
Authority for decision for math manipulatives and supplemental aids has been expanded to include additional campus level teams (e.g., RTIs)
Photocopy  
“GA” accommodation bubble on answer documents changed to “DS”

8. Accessibility
Ensuring that each student can interact appropriately with the content, presentation, and response mode of the test.
Assessments should allow all test takers to demonstrate their knowledge of the content being tested without the format of the assessment, non-tested language, or the type of response needed to answer the questions being barriers.
In order to meet this goal, various features and supports are made available on paper and online tests to students who use the same or similar supports during classroom instruction.

9. Accessibility Features
Signing test administration directions
Translating test administration directions
Bilingual dictionary (word-to-word translations; no definitions or examples) for mathematics, science, and social studies assessments. Cannot be content glossaries. No examples.
Read test aloud to self (e.g., PVC pipe, recording device)
Reading aloud or signing the expository or persuasive writing prompt
Reading assistance on the grade 3 mathematics test (not an oral)
Scratch paper (or any medium that can be erased or destroyed)
Color overlays or online color setting

10. Accessibility Features
Blank place markers or online guideline tool
Magnifying devices or online zoom feature
Highlighters (including online tool), colored pencils
Tools to minimize distractions or to help maintain focus (e.g., stress ball, headphones)
Individual or small-group administrations
Reminding students to stay on task (classroom management)
New for 2018:
Sticky notes tool added to the online system
Use of amplification devices (hearing impaired)
Use of projection devices (for individual students)

11. Locally-Approved Designated Supports
These include twelve supports that may be made available to students who meet eligibility criteria.
Eligibility decisions are made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level based on the eligibility criteria and are documented in the appropriate paperwork.
Each document is organized the same way
Description of Accommodation
Assessments
Student Eligibility Criteria
Authority for Decision and Required Documentation
Examples/Types
Special Instructions/Considerations

12. Locally-Approved Designated Supports

13. Locally-Approved Designated Supports
New for 2018:
Content and language supports have been combined in to one embedded support
Dictionaries for reading and writing in grades 3-5 are no longer a designated support, part of the STAAR Dictionary Policy now
STAAR Dictionary Policy
STAAR Calculator Policy now includes the use of calculators for grade 8 science 
STAAR Calculator Policy
Authority for decision for math manipulatives and supplemental aids has been expanded to include additional campus level teams (e.g., RTIs)
Photocopy no longer an individual support, but has been included within other policy documents (Large print, Other).
“GA” accommodation bubble on answer documents changed to “DS”

14. Basic Transcribing
If the student uses speech- to-text technology to indicate responses for multiple-choice questions, griddable questions, or the writing prompt, please refer to our technology use guidelines document
The test administrator (TA) and CTC are responsible for ensuring that the bottom portion of the oath has been signed prior to test day.
The TA and CTC are responsible for ensuring that student has a copy of the Transcribing Griddable Questions document.

15. Basic Transcribing

16. Basic Transcribing

17. Basic Transcribing: Word Processor
A student may use a word processor or word processing software on a separate device if he/she routinely types responses to be transcribed by the test administrator. Features that must be disabled or unavailable to students receiving this designated support are:
Internet capabilities
Access to other programs (put in kiosk mode)
Any feature that will edit or aid a student’s response (eg. Spell-check, word predictor, auto-correct for punctuation, capitalization, etc.)
Saving of any sort
Ability to share/send response

18. Applications may NOT be accessed on a phone.
Basic Transcribing: Speech-To-Text
A student may use speech-to-text technology outside of the testing platform if he/she routinely dictates answer choices and/or essay responses orally to a software program. This may be in the form of an application or some other program on various devices. Students using this type of technology must not have access to:
Any feature that will edit or aid a student’s response, such as, but not limited to: 
Spell check (i.e., automatic underline that indicates to student a correction is needed)
Word predictor
Automatic capitalization and punctuation 
Any feature that will automatically save a typed response 
Ability to share/ response 
Internet access and enabled links 
Translation services 
Ability to access other programs/features on the device 
Applications may NOT be accessed on a phone.

19. Braille
For students who take a braille test and are also eligible for Content and Language Supports, a request for a paper version of STAAR with embedded supports should be submitted to TEA.
Specific information about administering braille tests is available in the General Instructions for Administering Braille State Assessments document, located on the TEA’s Accommodation Resources webpage.
For Braille administrations, there is no need submit an ARF to request "Extra Day". (Included in "General Instructions for Administering Braille State Assessments" (PDF). However, approval to test over two days must still be approved by the DTC.

20. Calculation Aids
Calculators used by eligible students as a designated support must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the STAAR Calculator Policy on the TEA’s STAAR Resources webpage.
The STAAR Calculator Policy now includes Grade 8 Science

21. Applications may NOT be accessed on a phone.
Calculation Aid: Calculator Application
According to the STAAR Calculator Policy, students taking a test where the use of a calculator is allowed and students who receive a calculator as a designated support are able to use a grade-appropriate calculation application.
For all grades/subjects these features/functions must be disabled:
Functions that compromise the standards being assessed (see examples)
Internet capabilities
Ability to access other programs (put in kiosk mode)
Computer Algebra System
Applications may NOT be accessed on a phone.

22. Example
5.3 H: Represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions with unequal denominators referring to the same whole using objects and pictorial models and properties of operations
A calculator that adds, subtracts, and converts fractions will not allow for an accurate assessment of this standard.
While this function is not allowable in grade 5, it is allowable for grade 8 mathematics, grade 8 science, Algebra I, Algebra II, and biology.
½ + ¾ = 5/4

23. Example
7.7 A: Represent linear relationships using verbal descriptions, tables, graphs, and equations that simplify to the form y = mx + b
A calculator with a graphing function will not allow for an accurate assessment of this standard. 
While this function is not allowable in grade 7, it is allowable for grade 8 mathematics, grade 8 science, Algebra I, Algebra II, and biology.
f(x)= x + 1

24. Content and Language Supports
Content and language supports have been combined in to one embedded support
LPACs may not consider ELL students for exit at the end of the year if they receive this designated support on a STAAR reading or writing assessment.

25. Extra Time
A student should be allowed to continue testing until the end of the regularly scheduled school day, but cannot be required to continue testing until that time. A student should be allowed to leave the testing room when he or she has completed the test.
LPACs may not consider ELL students for exit at the end of the year if they receive this designated support on a STAAR reading or writing assessment.

26. Individualized Structured Reminders
Paperclips or adhesive notes used to divide the test into sections 
More-frequent or less-frequent reminders of time left to test than required in the standard administration procedures 
Personal timer or clock set to remind a student to move on to the next question, page, or section or to remind a student to stop at pre-established times during the test

27. Large Print
Specific information about large- print test materials, including the policy for students needing a test booklet in a larger print size than produced by the state, is available in the General Instructions for Administering Large-Print State Assessments document, located on the TEA’s Accommodation Resources webpage.
New for 2018:
There is no longer a need to “Photocopy”, if larger than large print needed. Campus must have DTC approval to copy

28. Manipulating Test Materials
If a student needs his or her responses to test questions (i.e., multiple choice, griddable, writing prompt) transcribed onto an answer document or into the STAAR Assessment Management System for online administrations, refer to the Basic Transcribing or Complex Transcribing policies.

29. Mathematics Manipulatives
New for 2018:
For a student not receiving special education or Section 504 services, the decision is made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level (e.g., RTI team, student assistance team) based on the eligibility criterion and is documented according to district policies

30. Oral/Signed Administration
LPACs may not consider ELL students for exit at the end of the year if they receive this designated support on a STAAR reading or writing assessment.

31. Spelling Assistance New for 2018:
Spelling assistance tool available now as an online embedded support on STAAR

32. Spelling Assistance

33. Technology Use Guidelines

34. Technology Guidelines
Districts are required to have procedures in place to prevent the use of personal electronic devices during test administrations. 
When  districts are using  allowed or approved technology, including technology-based accommodations (i.e., accessibility features, designated supports), the following guidelines for test security and validity must be followed  to review the technology prior to its use in an assessment. 
Appropriate review requires knowledge of both state curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills ) for the specific grade level and subject, as well as the capabilities and functions of the device or software to be used during the assessment. 
Some technology may be useful during a daily academic setting. This technology cannot be used during a state assessment if it has functionality that creates an assessment concern that cannot be addressed.
District or campus personnel must conduct additional reviews of technology, including technology-based accommodations, after an upgrade or update to determine if it continues to meet TEA guidelines for use during a state assessment. 

35. Technology Guidelines
All technology used  during state assessments must adhere to the following guidelines. Test administrators must actively monitor the use of the technology, including technology-based accommodations, during an assessment.
For a device or software to be considered appropriate for state assessment use, it must :
be set in a mode that locks the user into a specific software program;
block the user from accessing functionality that may violate test security, such as
the ability to send secure test content (e.g., messages, captured images, videos);
the ability to send or receive any person-to-person communication about secure test content (e.g., chat, video);
the ability to save secure test content; or
not provide functionality that compromises the curriculum assessed.
A training presentation is available  on the 2018 Accommodation Resources webpage to assist districts in making appropriate decisions about technology- based accommodations for students taking state assessments. If you have questions about whether specific technology-based accommodations meet these guidelines, contact the most appropriate person in your district (e.g., technology staff, curriculum staff).  

36. Designated Supports that may include Technology
Basic Transcribing
Word processor as separate work space
Speech-to-text software, applications, or devices
Calculation Aid
Calculator applications
Spelling Assistance
Spell-check on a word processor
Word-prediction software
Text-to-speech software or devices

37. Spelling Assistance
A student may use spelling assistance technology outside of the testing platform if he/she routinely uses the accommodation. This may be in the form of an application or some other program on various devices. Students using this type of technology must not have access to:
Any feature that will edit or aid a student in areas other than spelling, such as, automatic capitalization and punctuation 
Any feature that will automatically save a typed response 
Ability to share/ response 
Internet access and enabled links 
Translation services 
Ability to access other programs/features on the device 
New for 2018:
The spell check feature will be available in spring 2018 as an online embedded support on STAAR for eligible students who use this type of spelling assistance. 

38. Supplemental Aids New for 2018:
For a student not receiving special education or Section 504 services, the decision is made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level (e.g., RTI team, student assistance team) based on the eligibility criterion and is documented according to district policies.

39. Supplemental Aids
All supplemental aides must be on the Testing web site. If not there, campus must send in to the DTC for approval for use on the state assessment

40. Designated Supports Requiring TEA Approval
These include supports that may be made available to students who have a TEA-approved accommodation request form.
First, eligibility decisions are made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level based on the eligibility criteria and then a request is sent to TEA for determination.
Each designated support policy document located on the Accommodations Resources webpage contains an Eligibility Criteria section and an Authority for Decision and Required Documentation section.

41. Designated Supports Requiring TEA Approval
Designated Supports that require TEA approval are rare and they are only for use with students that need an accommodation beyond that which can be done by the use of Designated Supports

42. Accommodation Request Process

43. The Accommodation Request Process
Accommodation Request Forms should only be submitted for designated supports requiring TEA approval (i.e., complex transcribing, math scribe, extra day, other). 
The link to the online accommodation request form for 2018 will be on the Accommodation Resources webpage along with a training document. 
Accommodation Request Forms must be received by TEA at least one week prior to testing. Late requests will NOT be processed unless circumstances involving the student change after the deadline. Refer to the submission deadlines document. 
Step 1
Determination of student eligibility
Step 2
Completion and submission of online form
Step 3
TEA review and decision
Step 4
Required communication within district

44. The Accommodation Request Process
Accommodation requests must be approved by TEA before a student can use the accommodation on a state assessment. Documentation in the appropriate paperwork should state “pending TEA approval.”
Do NOT include confidential student information (request will be deleted and you will be asked to resubmit) 
Example: student’s first and last name, Social Security numbers, pages from an IEP, medical documents
The expiration date for all approved requests is December 31st of the year the request is approved.
The online accommodation request from for 2018 administration will open in January 2018.
For December 2017 administration submit using the 2017 link (on the Accommodation Resources webpage)

45. Frequently Asked Questions

46. Reading aloud the writing prompt or grade 3 math reading assistance
Do test administrators have to sign the additional part of the oath about viewing secure content if they read aloud the prompt or grade 3 math reading assistance?
YES
Do test administrators who provide these accessibility features also have to be trained in the Oral Administration Guidelines?
YES, because "For the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) program, every test administrator reading aloud secure test content must be trained on the guidelines in this document so that various types of test questions and answers are read aloud in a standardized manner." 

47. STAAR online or paper STAAR, but not both
Can students taking STAAR online also use a paper STAAR test to write down their notes and strategies?
No. Students taking an online test will use the online tools (e.g., notes, pencil) and various accessibility features (e.g., highlighter, scratch paper). 
For a student who has a special situation and may need this type of accommodation, the district testing coordinator should contact TEA’s Accommodation Task Force and discuss the possible submission of an OTHER Accommodation Request Form. 
This type of OTHER request will not be approved for personal preference or lack of familiarity with the online system. 

48. Online Tutorials and Practice Tests

49. STAAR Online Tutorials Will be updated for 2018 Administration
When you open the STAAR online testing platform, you will see a menu of options, including “Tutorials.”
Will be updated for 2018 Administration

50. STAAR Online Tutorials Will be updated for 2018 Administration
Once you select “Tutorials,” you will be taken to a screen with several drop-down menus.
Choose the grade, subject, and test (i.e., available supports) you want to view.
Will be updated for 2018 Administration

51. STAAR Online Tutorials
You will know you are in the right place when you see the logo screen and title.

52. STAAR Online Tutorials Will be updated for 2018 Administration
Tabs at the bottom of the screen act as a table of contents. Each tab contains a page that explains the online feature/tool and provides a short video.
Note: Videos do not have sound except for the Speak and Audio videos, which only read aloud the text on the screen.
Will be updated for 2018 Administration

53. STAAR Online Tutorials Will be updated for 2018 Administration
The second page of each tab has a question that you can use to practice with the feature/tool you just learned about.
Note: The questions do NOT contain tested content but are only intended to practice using the feature/tool.
Will be updated for 2018 Administration

54. STAAR Practice
When you open the STAAR online testing platform, you will see a menu of options, including “Practice.”
Here you will find released tests for 2016 and  

55. STAAR Practice
To practice taking the test with all supports (i.e., TTS, pre-reads, pop-ups and rollovers), select “All PNP”. 

59. Contact Information
Testing Department