N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Helping Students Select and Use Test Accommodations Martha L. Thurlow Sandy Thompson University of Minnesota

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Topics  Overview  Policies  Research  Practical Resources for IEP Teams

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Purposes of Assessments Classroom Tests Daily Progress Eligibility Assessments Large-Scale Assessments Districtwide Statewide Accountability

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Ways to Participate in Assessments Same way as other students. With accommodations In an Alternate Assessment

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Accommodations are changes in assessment materials or procedures that allow the student’s knowledge and skills to be assessed rather than the student’s disability. Accommodations provide students with disabilities access to assessments, so that more can participate.

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Types of Accommodations Response Mark test booklet Word processor Use references Presentation Repeat directions Large print edition Braille edition Setting Study carrel Small group Individualized Timing Extended time Frequent breaks Unlimited time Scheduling Specific time of day Subtests in different order Other Test preparation Out-of-level Motivational cues Across multiple days

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Assessment Accommodation Policies

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations: The National Picture Accommodations use is on the rise. About 50% of students with learning disabilities receive an accommodation during testing. Evidence from experimental studies indicates that some accommodations boost performance. Most common accommodations are –Small group administration –Read-aloud –Extended time

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Study Procedures NCEO Update of previous analyses 1.Requested newest policy from all 50 states 2.Completed grids for all states and all accommodations (with notations) 3.Sent data to state for verification 4.Made changes only with written documentation [Collected policies through Sept 2001]

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Distinctions between “okay” and “not okay” accommodations are usually evident in terms used in policies States with different terms37 States with single term13 “Accommodation” Terminology

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Terms Used to Indicate “Not Okay” Testing Changes Modification*17 states Non-Standard 7 states Not Allowed 5 states Not Permitted3 states Not Aggregatable2 states Non Valid/Impact Score1 state each *One state uses this term for “okay”test change

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Besides IEP, 504, and ELLs Colorado Kansas Oregon Rhode Island Wyoming Eligible Groups All for All Students Minnesota Washington Some for All Students New York All for Some Students KentuckyMarylandMississippi MaineMassachusettsNorth Dakota “All” Under Special Circumstances

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes A better look at the accommodation policies of states 60% of states Presentation Equipment Response Scheduling/ Timing Setting

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Most Often Allowed (With & Without Restrictions) Presentation Accommodations Number of States Allowing:WithoutWith Large Print463 Braille3514 Read Aloud*541 Sign Language Interpretation378 Read/Re-read/Clarify Directions*2910 *One state prohibits use

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Most Often Allowed (With & Without Restrictions) “Equipment” Accommodations Number of States Allowing:WithoutWith Magnification400 Amplification340 Light/Acoustics320 Calculator*1423 Templates/Graph Paper320 *One state prohibits use

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Most Often Allowed (With & Without Restrictions) Response Accommodations Number of States Allowing:WithoutWith Proctor/Scribe3117 Write in Test Booklet 372 Computer or Machine*309 Communication Device278 *One state prohibits use

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Most Often Allowed (With & Without Restrictions) Scheduling/Timing Accommodations Number of States Allowing:WithoutWith Extended Time*2616 With Breaks3310 Time Beneficial to Student350 Multiple Session312 *Three states prohibit use

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations Most Often Allowed (With & Without Restrictions) Setting Accommodations Number of States Allowing:WithoutWith Individual Administration461 Small Group Administration462 Separate Room360 Carrel320 Seat Location/Proximity310

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Prohibited Accommodations Top Five# of States Spell Checker/Assistance11 Extended Time3 Audio/Video Cassette2 Over Multiple Days2 Others*1 *Others include: Read Aloud Re-read, Clarify Directions Calculator Abacus Computer Student’s Home

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Few states completely prohibit accommodations Policies are really complex, with clarifications about type of test, specific skills assessed, and certain student characteristics Generalizations Accommodation Policies

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Assessment Accommodation Research

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes 1999 through Research Studies Most Studied State Tests in Math and Reading Presentation Accommodations Studied Most Often Summary of Research on the Effects of Test Accommodations

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Computer administration Oral presentation Extended time Accommodations that showed a positive effect on student test scores across at least 4 studies

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Unknown variations among students included in study Sample size too small for adequate statistical support Nonstandard administration of accommodations across proctors and schools Limitations

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Clear definition of the constructs tested Greater clarity in accommodations needed by individual students Desirability and perceived usefulness of accommodations by students themselves – END USERS Consider Universal Design Recommendations

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Practical Resources for IEP Teams

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes IEP Teams Responsible for Helping Students Select and Use Assessment Accommodations

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Good Accommodations Decisions Start with good instructional decisions Systematic questions about accommodations for individual students Collection of data to aid decision making What helps student learn or perform better? What has student or parents told you? What gets in the way of the student showing skills? What has the student been taught to use?

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations: Decisionmaking Accommodations should be provided for the assessment when they are routinely provided during classroom instruction. No accommodation should be provided for the first time on the day of the test. No accommodation should be used to provide unfair advantage. Use of systematic questions to determine accommodations.

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Accommodations: Decisionmaking What makes an accommodation OK? Consider: The purpose of the assessment The skills being measured The individual student’s needs

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Develop a process for making decisions about accommodation use Choose accommodations based on individual student needs and preferences Teach students to use selected accommodations routinely in the classroom, at home, and in the community – evaluate effectiveness Recommendations for IEP Teams

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Know state/district accommodations policies Students should use selected accommodations on practice tests Make sure test administrators know about accommodations a student will use Record accommodations use accurately on test booklet (or other form) Recommendations for IEP Teams

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Universally designed assessments : are designed from the beginning to be accessible and valid for the widest range of students provide optimal, standard assessment conditions for the widest range of students

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes OFFICIAL BALLOT, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA

N C E O National Center on Educational Outcomes Caution While accommodations and universally designed assessments can make tests more equitable, producing more valid results, they cannot replace instructional opportunity!

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