Statewide Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Justin Porter, Director, Assessment for Special Populations, TEA’s Student Assessment Division Kim Brannan, Manager, Special Education Assessments, TEA’s Student Assessment Division Cristina Vazquez, Manager, Language Accessibility and Proficiency Measurement, TEA’s Student Assessment Division

Disclaimer These slides have been prepared by the Student Assessment Division of the Texas Education Agency. If any slide is changed for local use, please remove the TEA footer at the bottom of the slide. TEA Student Assessment Divison2

Agenda Accommodations for Students With Disabilities – Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodations for Students With Disabilities Linguistic Accommodations Planning for Test Administrations February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency3

Accommodations for Students With Disabilities  Changes to instructional materials, procedures, or techniques that are made on an individual basis and allow a student with a disability to participate in grade-level or course instruction and testing  Should be evaluated regularly to determine effectiveness and to help plan for accommodations the student will need each year  Are not changes to the content being assessed and should not replace the teaching of subject-specific knowledge and skills as outlined in the TEKS  Should not be provided to an entire group of students, such as those in the same class or disability category February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency4

/accommodations/ February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency5 Click one of these links to see all resources for accommodations for students with disabilities

Student Eligibility for State Assessment Accommodations Applies to students taking STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR L, STAAR Modified, and TELPAS For purposes of statewide assessments, a student needing accommodations due to a disability includes a student with an identified disability who receives special education services and meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations a student with an identified disability who receives Section 504 services and meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations a student with a disabling condition who does not receive special education or Section 504 services but meets established eligibility criteria for certain accommodations February 18, 2014 Texas Education Agency 6

Authority for Decision and Documentation Special education services‒the ARD committee; documented in IEP Section 504 services‒the 504 placement committee; documented in IAP No special education or Section 504 services‒the appropriate team of people at the campus level (e.g., RTI team); documentation determined at local level In the case of an ELL‒the LPAC works in conjunction with the applicable group; documented in permanent record file February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency7

Student eligibility determined by the appropriate team of people at the campus level based on TEA policy. Accommodation Request Form submitted to TEA for determination. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency 8 Accommodations Triangle

Standardized Oral Administration (SOA) Type 1  For 2014, the following assessments are offered statewide as an online option for oral administration  grade 4 reading and mathematics  grade 7 reading and mathematics  grade 8 science and social studies  All guidelines for oral administration apply to SOA.  Allows a student to independently select and change his or her level of reading support during the test administration  SOA should only be administered to an eligible student for whom the appropriateness of this type of oral administration has been discussed and documented.  Online tutorial is available at: February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency9

OTHER Accommodations Type 2 Any accommodation that is not listed in the triangle can be considered if the student needs it to access the test. – Not intended for students who don’t meet eligibility criteria for accommodations listed in triangle Other accommodations can not be requested through the online system. Districts must contact TEA to discuss when the use of an “Other” accommodation is appropriate. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency10

Type 2 Accommodations Type 2 Type 2 accommodations involve a test administrator handling or manipulating secure test materials or student responses in ways that could compromise test security, confidentiality, and/or student results. TEA provides specific guidelines with an approved ARF in order to ensure that Type 2 accommodations are provided in a standardized manner. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency11

Important Tips for Requesting a Type 2 Accommodation One student = one request form with multiple accommodations and/or programs if applicable February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency12

Important Tips for Requesting a Type 2 Accommodation Add previous year’s request ID if applicable – Information from previous years helps the Accommodations Task Force representative in making an informed determination about the request. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency13

Important Tips for Requesting a Type 2 Accommodation February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency14 There are different questions that pop up for each accommodation selected. Make sure that you address each of these in your rationale. The description should be specific and individualized. Phrases like “severe fatigue” and “shuts down” are not sufficient.

Important Tips for Requesting a Type 2 Accommodation Do NOT include in the request confidential student information, such as – a student’s first and last name – Social Security number – pages from an IEP – medical documents Blanket requests for entire classrooms will NOT be accepted. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency15

Special Note Regarding Technology Districts are required to have procedures in place to prevent the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during test administrations. Electronic devices can disrupt the testing environment and compromise the security and confidentiality of the test. When using technology-based accommodations (e.g., calculator), students are NOT permitted Internet access during testing. Also, electronic devices with Internet or photographic capabilities are not allowable. – This means no apps, smart phones, nor tablets of any kind may be used during testing. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency16

Special Note Regarding Technology Desktop and laptop computers may be used as a means for eligible students to access allowable assistive technology during state assessments. Internet capabilities must be physically blocked by such means as – removing wireless cards – removing Ethernet cables – temporarily disabling building Wi-Fi infrastructure – disabling Internet access at server level by shutting down access to individual IP addresses for specific machines on network February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency17

Accommodation Use in Unexpected or Emergency Situations 2014 District and Campus Coordinator Manual and the “Critical Information About Accommodations…” document on the Accommodations for Students With Disabilities webpage – Step 1: Consider test administration procedures and materials allowed for any student. There is no need to contact TEA. – Step 2: Consider whether a Type 1 accommodation can meet the student’s needs. Consideration should be given to accommodations that the student can independently use. There is no need to contact TEA. – Step 3: If a Type 2 accommodation will be needed, contact TEA’s Accommodations Task Force for permission and additional instructions. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency 18

Recording Accommodations on the Answer Document  2014 District and Campus Coordinator Manual  Mark GA, BR, LP, OA, XD, and/or LA in the blank bubbles for each subject. GA-General Accommodation BR-Braille LP-Large Print OA-Oral Administration XD-Extra Day LA-Linguistic Accommodations  Mark each accommodation that is documented and made available to a student, even if the student did not use the accommodation during testing. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency20

Why is grade 4 writing not included in the Oral Administration policy? Oral Administration does NOT apply to the grade 4 writing test – Passages and multiple choice test questions cannot be read aloud. – Any student may have the writing prompt page(s) read aloud per the 2014 District and Campus Coordinator Manual. If a student is eligible for an Oral Administration and is taking the grade 4 writing test, the test administrator may read aloud any text the student indicates within an allowable accommodation (e.g., dictionary, supplemental aid, frequently misspelled word list). February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency21

How should students be grouped for an Oral Administration? Consider – level of reading support – pace at which students work – number of students one test administrator can handle Plan for mixtures of support level and pace – know what level of support each student receives – remember the four-hour time limit – move around room and read aloud to students individually or to small groups of students working at a similar pace February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency22

What does the phrase “evidence of reading difficulty” mean? A problem with reading – The problem could be caused by a learning disability in reading. – The problem could be caused by other conditions, for example ADHD emotional or behavioral disability processing or memory issue The ARD or Section 504 committee decides if the student exhibits evidence of a reading difficulty. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency23

If SOA is being considered, what is documented in the IEP/IAP?  The Oral Administration accommodation policy document states that: – “SOA should only be administered to an eligible student for whom the appropriateness of this type of oral administration has been discussed and documented.”  There is no requirement that a committee must document the mode of administration (i.e., paper versus online). However, a committee should determine what type of reading support the student needs. – read parts of the test questions and/or answer choices at student request = paper or online appropriate – read all test questions and answer choices throughout the test = only paper is appropriate since the student has the ability to choose the level of support in SOA; a test administrator would have no control over the student’s choices February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency24

What does the phrase “disability that affects math calculation” mean? A problem adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing using paper and pencil – The problem could be caused by a learning disability in mathematics. – The problem could be caused by other conditions, for example ADHD emotional or behavioral disability processing or memory issue The ARD or Section 504 committee decides if the student’s disability causes him or her to have a problem calculating with pencil and paper. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency25

Where do we look for accommodation information for TAKS, TAKS (Accommodated), & TAKS-M? TAKS-M is no longer administered. Accommodation information for students who are assessed with TAKS is located in the Accommodations Manual at mmodations/. mmodations/  Remember that TAKS is offered online only beginning fall There will be no TAKS (Accommodated); however, those accommodations can still be used on the online TAKS retest. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency26

LINGUISTIC ACCOMMODATIONS February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency27

About Linguistic Accommodations Linguistic accommodations are language supports that decrease the language barrier ELLs experience when learning and demonstrating knowledge and skills in English. Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) require that all teachers linguistically accommodate the instruction of ELLs according to students’ English language proficiency levels. STAAR linguistic accommodation policies support these ELPS requirements. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency28

Linguistic Accommodation Guide The linguistic accommodation guide is the principal source of linguistic accommodation information for testing personnel. Coordinators and test administrators should read and review the contents of this guide carefully. Full title of linguistic accommodation guide: – Linguistic Accommodations for ELLs Participating in the STAAR Program – February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency29

Differing Degrees of Linguistic Accommodation STAAR (English) Limited degree of linguistic accommodation STAAR L Moderate to substantial degree of linguistic accommodation STAAR Modified Degree varies in accordance with second language acquisition needs of ELLs who qualify for this test STAAR Alternate No specified linguistic accommodations; observational, classroom-based assessment design allows other languages and communication methods to be used as needed February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency30 STAAR Spanish: Assessment is provided in student’s native language; other linguistic accommodations not applicable.

Linguistic Accommodations: STAAR February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency31 *Dictionary access to be provided for all students in grade 6 and up as part of STAAR dictionary policy. Math, Science, Social Studies Reading, Writing, English I, English II Bilingual dictionary Extra time (same day) Grades 3–5: Dictionaries of various types* Extra time (same day) Clarification in English of meaning of words in writing prompt (applies to all assessments listed above) words in short-answer reading questions (English I-II only)

Linguistic Accommodations: STAAR L February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency32 Math, Science, Social Studies Clarification in English of word meaning* Reading aloud of text* Bilingual dictionary Extra time (same day) *Provided in online interface

Linguistic Accommodations: STAAR Modified February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency33 Math, Science, Social Studies Reading, Writing, English I, English II Clarification in English of word meaning Oral translation* Reading aloud of text Bilingual dictionary Bilingual glossary* Extra time (same day) Clarification in English of word meaning Oral translation* Reading aloud of eligible text Dictionaries of various types (grades 3–5) ** Extra time (same day) *Unique to STAAR Modified **Dictionary access to be provided for all students in grade 6 and up.

Dictionaries Two sources for dictionary policies for ELLs taking STAAR: – STAAR dictionary policy ▪ Applies to reading and writing assessments in grade 6 and above ▪ – Linguistic Accommodations for ELLs Participating in the STAAR Program guide ▪ Outlines policies for the use of dictionaries on all other tests not covered under the STAAR dictionary policy ▪ s/ s/ February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency34

STAAR, STAAR L, STAAR Modified: Extra Time (Same Day) as a Linguistic Accommodation Permitted for any ELL if student meets eligibility criteria as determined by LPAC Not “automatic” Extra time within regularly scheduled school day only Schools with both morning and afternoon test sessions must include these students in morning session. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency35

STAAR and STAAR Modified: Linguistic Accommodations Provided by Test Administrator Examples – Clarification in English of word meaning in writing prompts (STAAR) – Clarification in English of word meaning in short answer reading questions (STAAR) – Clarification in English of word meaning (STAAR Modified) – Oral translation (STAAR Modified) Require additional training for test administrators Individual or small group administrations are necessary for some accommodations. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency36

Recording Linguistic Accommodations for Online Tests STAAR EOC and STAAR L grades 3-8 and EOC Linguistic accommodations to be recorded along with other applicable accommodations on the Student Test Details screen in the Assessment Management System February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency37

General Guideline for Recording Linguistic Accommodations Whether the student tested on paper or online, record linguistic accommodations if these were predetermined by the LPAC and made available to the student during testing, even if the student did not use the accommodation. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency38

Preparing ELLs for Testing with Linguistic Accommodations In training test administrators with ELLs in their sessions, make sure to review this section of test administrator manuals. Administration “SAY” directions assume ELLs have been told in advance – how their sessions will be conducted – what type of accommodations they may receive February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency39

PLANNING FOR TEST ADMINISTRATIONS February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency40

Reminder Students receiving certain accommodations may need to be tested in a separate setting to eliminate distractions to other students and to ensure the confidentiality of the test. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency41

TEA-Developed Training Materials PowerPoint training to assist in training test administrators – Training on Linguistic Accommodations for the STAAR Program being updated for spring 2014 Will be available by late February on the – Accommodations Resources webpage: dations/ dations/ – STAAR L Resources webpage: February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency42

Oral Administration Appendix The Oral Administration Appendix can be found in each of the 2014 Test Administrator Manuals Test administrators MUST be trained in the procedures specific to an oral administration. – General guidelines for providing an oral administration – Specific instructions for reading aloud various types of test questions February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency43

STAAR L and SOA Scripts Test Administrator Manuals – STAAR L and SOA scripts for online testing are separate from other scripts. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency44

Guide to the Test Administration Directions Contains general information about using the scripts. This section includes specific information about accommodations and oral administration that must be read by the test administrator prior to the administration of the test. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency45

Test Administration Directions When Providing Accommodations All test administration directions contain boxed text that specifies how the script may be modified to address the accommodations a student will be receiving. The test administrator should discuss the accommodations with the students in advance of the test session to explain what materials or types of assistance will be available to them during the assessment. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency46

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials Can be found – 2014 District and Campus Coordinator Manual and as a stand- alone document on this webpage – Test administrator manuals – Accommodations for Students With Disabilities webpage February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency47

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials Available to any student who regularly benefits from their use during instruction Students cannot be required to use these procedures/materials during testing. Test administrators must be informed of the availability of allowable procedures and materials for the appropriate students. Not considered accommodations and are not recorded on answer document Documentation is not required (but is allowed) beyond what is necessary for planning on testing day. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency48

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials Signing test administration directions Translating directions into the native language of an English language learner Allowing a student to read test aloud to self – Into a recording device? Yes, but destroy/erase recording – Whisper phone? Yes, but make sure other students aren’t disturbed Reading aloud or signing writing prompt – Just the prompt sentence? If that is all the student needs. But the entire prompt page can be read aloud. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency49

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials Providing reading assistance on the grade 3 mathematics test – If the student needs more than a few words and phrases read aloud, then the eligibility for Oral Administration may need to be considered. Making assistive tools available (e.g., scratch paper, color overlay, blank place marker, magnifying devices, highlighters, colored pencils, crayons) – Chalkboard or dry erase board? Yes – Purple paper, raised-lined paper, sticky notes? Yes – Markers? Yes – Computer? No, that is Basic Transcribing or Spelling Assistance February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency50

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials Giving permission for a student to use tools to minimize distractions or to help maintain focus (e.g., stress ball, noise-reducing headphones, or instrumental music [no lyrics] played through an individual student’s headphones or ear buds) Allowing individual and small group administrations – How many students equal a small group? Local decision based on student need, however it should be smaller than a regular classroom. Reminding students to stay on task – Tap on the shoulder? Yes – Gently worded reminder to keep working? Yes – Preplanned reminders to continue working or to take a mental break? No, that would fall under the Individualized Structured Reminders accommodation February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency51

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials What about procedures and materials not in this list? – Take a common-sense approach to determining whether or not a certain procedure or material can be used during a state assessment. – The district testing coordinator should be your first point of contact with these types of questions. – For example, can a student use a slant board and low light? Yes. But the student may need to be tested separately if the low lighting would disturb other students. February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency52

Allowable Test Administration Procedures and Materials How do the students get their needed materials on test day? – Local determination based on the needs of the student Provide the student with scratch paper if needed and documented Have stress ball at front of class for anyone who may need it Student requests reading assistance on grade 3 mathematics February 18, 2014Texas Education Agency53