1. Administering Accessibility Features and Accommodations on the PARCC Computer-Based Field Test (CBT)

2. Purpose
The purpose of this PPT is to prepare test administrators to administer accessibility features and accommodations on the computer-based Field Test (FT).
Review available Field Test accessibility features and accommodations and administration guidance
Share resources for additional accessibility training, including trainings on policy, protocol, and operational implementation guidance
For Registration Information & Technical Guidance for CBT, click HERE
For guidance on Selecting and Monitoring accommodations; and Policies for Operational Administration, click HERE.
The second edition is a comprehensive policy document that will support local educators in the selection, administration, and evaluation of accommodations for the assessment of students with disabilities, English learners, and English learners with disabilities on the computer-delivered PARCC Mid-Year, Performance-Based, and End-of-Year Assessments.
For full details on the policies, please refer to the manual posted on PARCC online:
On July 25, 2013, the first edition of the manual was released, but on November 11, 2013, the second edition of the manual was released. After field testing, the third edition of the manual will be released to PARCC states.
The majority of the proposed accommodations policies are currently in use across PARCC states.
The PARCC manual includes not only participation and accommodations policies for students with disabilities and English learners, but also information about tools that will be provided through PARCC’s computer-based assessment delivery system for all students to optimize their performance on the assessments.
By assessing students on computers, PARCC states will now have the opportunity to provide all students with tools they frequently use in the classroom and daily life that were once provided only as accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners (e.g. highlighters and enlarged font).
The manual provides educators with information on the accommodations which, when used on the PARCC End-of-Year, Performance-Based-Assessment, and Mid-Year assessment, will result in a valid score for a student.

3. PARCC Comprehensive Accessibility Policies
Features for All Students
Accessibility Features*
Identified in advance
Accommodations**
The Manual details a three-tiered process of providing access to the assessments for all students:
Features for All Students: Tools embedded in the computer-delivered system available to all students to use (e.g. font magnification, highlighting tool, bolding, underlining)
Accessibility Features (identified in advance): Tools embedded in the computer-delivered system open to all students to use, but must be made available at the discretion of school-based educators (e.g. background/font color)
Accommodations: Supports for students with disabilities and English learners that increase access while maintaining a valid and reliable score (e.g. braille form, extended time, word-to-word native language dictionary)
* Available to all participating students
**For students with disabilities, English learners, and English learners with disabilities

4. Accessibility Features on FT for All Students
Tool, support, scaffold, or preference that is built into the assessment system that can be used by any student.
Universal design features expected to benefit a variety of students and are available to all students.
Provided onscreen, stored in a toolbar, or are accessible through a menu or control panel, as needed.
During the assessment, students can choose which accessibility features they need for specific items. Examples include: audio amplification, highlighting, pop-up glossary, etc.

5. Accessibility Features on FT Identified in Advance
Available to all students (i.e., not limited to students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or English learners), but will be selected and “turned on” by school-based educators prior to the assessment.
Although school-based educators will enable the accessibility features, the student will decide whether or not to use it. These accessibility features will be readily available on the computer-delivered testing platform.
PARCC has developed an optional PARCC Field Test Accessibility Features and Accommodation Documentation Form. This can be used to assist in registering on PearsonAccess.
If this form is used, review with test administrators prior to field testing!

6. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and English Learners
Adjustments to the test setting, test format, or test administration procedures that provide equitable access for students with disabilities, students who are English learners, and students with disabilities who are also English learners.
Accommodations for the PARCC assessments include:
Accommodations for SWD
Presentation Accommodations
Response Accommodations
Timing and Scheduling Accommodations
Accommodations for ELs
Unique Accommodations
Emergency Accommodations

7. Administrative Considerations for All Students
School based teams (including IEP, 504 plan or EL teams as appropriate) may determine if any student requires any of the following test administration considerations, regardless of the student’s status as a student with a disability or English learner:
Small group testing
Frequent breaks
Time of day
Separate or alternate location
Specified area or seating
Adaptive and specialized equipment, furniture, or lighting
Please note: IEP, 504 and EL teams may still wish to document this in a student’s IEP, 504 plan, or EL plan based on individual needs.
Many settings that were once considered accommodations are now considered accessibility features for all students and will be included in the test administrator manual. Detailed guidelines on the administration of the PARCC assessments will be included in the PARCC Test Administration Manual.

8. PARCC Computer-Based Field Test.
Let’s Review the Accessibility Features and Accommodations that are Available for the
PARCC Computer-Based Field Test.

9. Accessibility Features Available for the
Computer-Based Field Test (CBT)

10. Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test
Computer Administration
Paper Administration
Audio Amplification
Auditory Aids
Blank Paper
Eliminate Answer Choices
Visual Aids/Organizers
Flag Items for Review
General Administration Directions Clarified
General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated
Highlighter Tool
External Highlighter
Headphones or Noise Buffers
Line Reader
Magnification/Enlargement Device
Screen Enlargement Tool
Large Print Test
Pop-Up Glossary
Glossary in footnotes
Redirect Student to Test
Writing Tools
Spell Checker
During the PARCC field test administration, some accessibility features and accommodations will not be available due to ongoing development and research that is required to ensure that all accessibility features and accommodations provide a valid reflection of what students know and can do. In addition, some specific accessibility features and accommodations may not be available on specific devices such as Chromebooks.
The following slides will summarize which accessibility features and accommodations will be available for the PARCC Computer-Based Field Test.
The following list includes accessibility features available for all students.

11. Accessibility Features for All Students Administration Instructions
CBT Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test
Accessibility Features for All Students
Administration Instructions
Audio Amplification
Student may adjust audio on their device.
Blank Paper
Test Administrator provides to students.
Eliminate Answer Choices
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.
Flag Items for Review
General Administration Directions Clarified
Test Administrator clarifies directions for students who raise their hands and ask.
General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated
Test Administrator reads directions aloud for all students, and repeats only to student who raise their hands and ask.
Highlighter Tool
Guidance on how to read aloud, repeal, and clarify general administration directions can be found in the Test Administrator Manuals.

12. Accessibility Features for All Students Administration Instructions
CBT Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test
Accessibility Features for All Students
Administration Instructions
Headphones or Noise Buffers
Provided by Test Administrator (TA). If using for text-to-speech, TA will need to ensure headphones are plugged in.
Line Reader
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.
Magnification/Enlargement Device
Pop-Up Glossary
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform on pre-selected words.
Redirect Student to Test
Test Administrator redirects individual students based on need.
Spell Checker
Students may choose to bring their own external device. Device cannot have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.
Writing Tools
On writing tasks, students may choose to use writing tools (bold, italic, underline, etc.).
Check the TCM for magnification limits by device – both for pinch and full screen magnification.
Guidance on how to redirect a student to the test can be found in the Test Administrator Manuals.
While still in the SDU, line Reader is available to all students and does not need to be selected.

13. Accessibility Features & Accommodation for the
Computer-Based Field Test Identified in Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form
During the administration of the PARCC Field Test, some accessibility features and accommodations will not be available, or available on all devices, due to ongoing development and research that is required to ensure that all accessibility features and accommodations provide a valid reflection of what students know and can do.

14. CBT Accessibility Features & Accommodation Available via a Special Registration “Session”
There are three Accessibility Features and one Accommodation that are only available via computer-based administration on unique forms in special registration “sessions” that need to be identified in advance.
Answer Masking
Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)
Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments
Text-to-Speech for English Language Arts/Literacy
If a student is pre-selected for one of these features, they cannot also be selected for another at the same time.
Example: A student taking the grade 3 ELA/literacy EOY cannot have both answer masking and background/font color at the same time. Only ONE can be selected.

15. Accessibility Features CBT Grades/Content Available
CBT Accessibility Features Identified in Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form
SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” - UNIQUE FORM AVAILABLE
Accessibility Features
CBT Grades/Content Available
Administration
Answer Masking
EOY Only
ELA: Grades 3, 5, 8, 11
Math: Grades 4, 7, Algebra I and Geometry
Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to use this pre-selected tool on an item-by-item basis.
Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)
PBA and EOY
*Five color options are available; refer to Field Test Accessibility Features and Accommodations Overview or Manual for color options.
Identified ahead via selection of special form. Applies to the entire assessment.
Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments
PBA/EOY
Grades 4, 7, Algebra I
(Human reader and human interpreter available for all grades, if needed.)
Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to click a “text-to-speech” button to hear pieces of items/tasks/passages read aloud via text-to-speech technology on an item-by-item basis.

16. CBT Accessibility Features – No Special Session (externally provided)
NOT EMBEDDED IN PLATFORM FOR THE FOLLOWING GRADES/CONTENT
Accessibility Features
CBT Grades/Content NOT Available
Administration
Answer Masking
All PBA in ELA & Mathematics
EOY Only
-ELA: Grades 4, 6, 7, 9, 10
-Math: Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II,
Integrated I, II, III
Students may choose to use external masking cards (e.g. blank paper, straight edge).
Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)
PBA and EOY
Colored overlays may be used by the student as need. Font color cannot be changed.
Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments
PBA/EOY
-Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II, Geometry,
Test administrator will use a password to pull up the CBT on a teacher device and read aloud (or sign) the assessment to pre-selected students according to the Protocol and Math Audio Guidelines on PARCConline.org. Students in each grade/content area who need a human reader will take the same form so small group administration can occur.

17. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (SWD)
Identified in Advance via an IEP or 504 Plan and
Available for the Computer-Based Field Test

18. Assistive Technology
Some students with disabilities (with IEPs or 504 plans) may need to bring assistive technology to equitably access the PARCC Field Test.
For current guidance on assistive technology for the PARCC Field Test, please refer to the posted guidelines on PARCConline.org.

19. CBT Presentation Accommodation Identified in Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form (or externally provided)
SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN GRADES ONLY
Accommodation
Availability
Administration
Text-to-Speech for ELA/Literacy Assessment**
(See GUIDANCE p.27-29)
Special CBT Form:
-PBA/EOY
-ELA: Grades 5, 8, 11
Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to click a “text-to-speech” button to hear the ELA/literacy assessment read aloud via text-to-speech technology.
Human reader and human interpreter available for all grades, if needed.
No CBT Form:
-PBA/EOY:
-ELA: Grades 3, 4,
6, 7, 9, 10
Test administrator will use a password to pull up the CBT on a teacher device and read aloud (or sign) the assessment to pre-selected students according to the Protocol and ELA Audio Guidelines. Students in each grade/content area who need a human reader will take the same test so small group administration can occur.
Refer to guidance in the PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual for more information on the Text-to-Speech for ELA/Literacy Assessment accommodation.

20. CBT Response Accommodations for SWD (Identified during Registration)
Availability
Administration
Calculation Device and Mathematics Tools **
(See GUIDANCE p.30)
All Grades
Students use calculator embedded in the platform, or may bring an external calculation device (e.g., abacus, talking calculator, large button calculator) as determined by IEP team.
Speech-to-Text
(external device)**
(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)
All Grades and Content Areas
Student must be tested individually. Test administrator provides a microphone (may be embedded in device) and headphones. Student may choose to speak their written responses and responses will be captured via speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input responses into TestNav according to the posted Scribe Guidelines.
If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must be tested individually. Student may sign responses to an interpreter. Test administrator scribes student responses according to the Scribe Guidelines.
Word Prediction**
(See GUIDANCE p.33)
Students may bring external word prediction devices for the ELA/literacy Performance-Based Assessment. Devices cannot include grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.
Refer to guidance in the PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual for more information on the calculator and speech-to-text accommodations.

21. CBT Timing & Scheduling Accommodations for SWD (Identified during Registration)
Availability
Administration
Extended Time
(See GUIDANCE p.34)
All Grades
Student gets extended time accommodation and may have until the end of the school day to complete a test session. It is recommended to test students with extended time accommodations in a separate setting to minimize distractions for all students, and to schedule these students for testing in the morning so their testing time can be extended until the end of the school day, if needed.

22. Accommodations for English Learners (EL) Identified in Advance and
Available for the Computer-Based Field Test

23. CBT Accommodations for English Learners (Identified during Registration)
Availability
Administration
Extended Time
All Grades/Content Areas
Student gets extended time accommodation and may have until the end of the school day to complete a test session. It is recommended to test students with extended time accommodations in a separate setting to minimize distractions for all students, and to schedule these students for testing in the morning so their testing time can be extended until the end of the school day, if needed.
General Administration Directions Clarified Native Language
Test Administrator clarifies directions in student’s native language, as requested by student.
General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated Native Language
Test Administrator reads directions aloud and repeats in student’s native language, as requested by student.

24. CBT Accommodations for English Learners (Identified during Registration)
Availability
Administration
Speech-to-Text Responses Dictated in English for the Mathematics assessments in English
(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)
All Grades in Mathematics
Student must be tested individually. Test administrator provides a microphone (may be embedded in device) and headphones. Student may choose to speak their written responses and responses will be captured via speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input responses into TestNav according to the posted Scribe Guidelines.
If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must be tested individually. Test administrator scribes student responses according to the Scribe Guidelines.
Word-to-Word Dictionary
(English/Native Language)
All Grades/Content Areas
Students may bring external published word-to-word English/native language dictionary. Dictionary may not include definitions or pictures. If there is no published word-to-word dictionary available, a unique request for an electronic word-to-word dictionary can be made.
The following list are the accommodations for English Learners that must be selected in PearsonAccess during the test registration process.

25. Unique and Emergency Accommodations and
Student Refusal Form

26. Unique Accommodations
For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests must be submitted to the state at least four weeks prior to testing.
Refer to Appendix F: Unique Accommodation Request Form
For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests will be approved by the PARCC Accessibility, Accommodations, and Fairness Operational Working Group.

27. Emergency Accommodation
An emergency accommodation is appropriate in cases where a student needs a new accommodation immediately prior to the assessment due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cases could include students who have a recently-fractured limb (e.g., arm, wrist, or shoulder); whose only pair of eyeglasses has broken; or a student returning from a serious or prolonged illness or injury.
If prior to or during testing, the school principal (or principal’s designee) determines that a student requires an emergency accommodation, an emergency accommodation form must be completed and submitted to the state.
Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.
Refer to Appendix G: Use of an Emergency Accommodation on a PARCC Assessment

28. Student Accommodation Refusal
If a student refuses an accommodation listed in his or her IEP, 504 Plan, or EL plan (if used by your state), the school should document in writing that the student refused the accommodation, and the accommodation must be offered and remain available to the student during testing.
School test coordinators should work with test administrators to determine if anyone else should be informed when a student refuses an accommodation documented in an IEP, 504 Plan or if available an EL plan (if used by your state).
Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.
Refer to Appendix H: Student Accommodation Refusal Form

29. Additional Resources for PARCC Accessibility and Accommodations

30. Other Accessibility Resources
PARCC Field Test Tutorials – w/TestNav 8 accessibility features training (CLICK HERE)
PARCC Sample Items (CLICK HERE)
PARCC Approved Accessibility Policy Manual & Implementation Guidance
PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual
Overview website page, including implementation appendices A-K
Translation Policy Memo
Field Test Training Module on “Accessibility Features and Accommodations with Computer-Based Testing” (CLICK HERE)
Field Test Coordinator Manuals & Field Test Administrator Manuals for CBT and PBT (CLICK HERE)

31. PARCC Support Contact Information
Call Toll free: (7:00 am – 9:00 pm EST, Mon. –Fri.)
Online Support and Resources:
Contact PARCC Support for assistance with:
navigating PearsonAccess
navigating the Training Center
managing student data
setting up test sessions
managing user IDs and passwords
accessing resources
setting up proctor caching
submitting additional orders
shipment inquiries
TestNav
Many resources are available online at PARCC.Pearson.com/Support. PARCC Support can be reached toll free from 7:00 am through 9:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday at You may also send an to You can contact PARCC Support for assistance with:
navigating PearsonAccess
navigating the Training Center
managing student data
setting up test sessions
managing user IDs and passwords
accessing resources
setting up proctor caching
submitting additional orders
shipment inquiries
TestNav

32. Thank you for your help in coordinating the PARCC Field Test!
Thank for your for your help in coordinating the PARCC Field Test!