Accommodations & SpEd Assessment

1. Accommodations & SpEd Assessment January 25, 2012 TETN #10418 TEA’s Student Assessment Division

2. Disclaimer • These slides have been prepared and approved by the Student Assessment Division of the Texas Education Agency. • If any slide is amended or revised for use in local or regional trainings, please remove the TEA footer at the bottom of the slide. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

3. Caution • There are a lot of really good trainings and presentations from outside sources that summarize STAAR policies and testing accommodation policies. • Take advantage of opportunities to participate in all trainings and presentations. • However, use the TEA webpages and presentations as the primary source of accurate information. Critical content can oftentimes be compromised when information is summarized into “at-a-glance” charts or simply worded documents. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

4. Agenda • What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages • Accommodations Update • Answers to Recent FAQs Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

5. What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages? • STAAR Time Limits Policies and Procedures • PowerPoint presentations from the December 2011 Assessment Conference • Special Education Graduation Flowcharts • STAAR Dictionary and Calculator Policies (not accommodations) • STAAR Modified Released Test Questions • Accommodation Information…more to come in a bit Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

6. What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages? • Revised TETN Schedule for Accommodations & SpEd Assessments Updates Date: February 29, 2012 Date: February 28, 2012 (NEW DATE)Event#: 10419 Date: April 18, 2012 (NO CHANGES)Event#: 10420 Date: May 23, 2012(CANCELLED)Event#: 10421 Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

7. Accommodations Update Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

8. Eligibility Criteria Clarification • If the eligibility criteria looks similar to this… • …then the student must meet ALL of the criteria listed • “and” means that ALL lines with a check box must be true Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

9. Eligibility Criteria Clarification • If the eligibility criteria looks like this • Then the student must meet ALL of the first few bullets AND • ONE of last few bullets. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

10. Documents on the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Webpage with No Changes • Look for “Fall 2011” in footer • Amplification Devices • Projection Devices • Font and Point Size Matrices Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

11. Updates to Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Webpage • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer. • If you have a version of the following documents with “Fall 2011” in footer, it is outdated. • Print a new document that has “Updated December 2011” in footer. • Critical Information about Accommodations for Students with Disabilities… • Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials • Manipulating Test Materials • Math Manipulatives • Calculation Devices • Supplemental Aids • Large Print • Dictionary • Oral/Signed Administration Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

12. Critical Information about Accommodations for Students with Disabilities… • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • Page 2: Removed individual administration and small-group administration from the list of examples of Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials • Page 3: Revisions to paragraph describing Type 3 accommodations • Page 4: Revisions to paragraph describing accommodation use in unexpected or emergency situations Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

13. Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • Reorganization of information on page 1 • Paragraph 2: Clarifications regarding “any student” vs “every student;” make materials available but do not require their use • Paragraph 3: Clarifications to required documentation & removal of the authority for decision phrases • New Bullet: Read Aloud the Writing Prompt • Clarification to instrumental music under Minimize Distractions: Campus testing coordinator must verify that there are no lyrics Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

14. Manipulating Test Materials • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • One typo corrected • No changes to eligibility criteria Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

15. Mathematics Manipulatives • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • Addition of a new eligibility criterion • Additional information to geometric figures regarding 3D form and 2D form (nets); no colors used as labels Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

16. Calculation Devices • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • No changes to eligibility criteria • Reordered bullets under Special Instructions/ Considerations • Removed some bullets and replaced with new 3rd bullet about required calculator use for some assessments: Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

17. Supplemental Aids • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • No changes to eligibility criteria • Clarifications and revisions to allowable supplemental aids • Mnemonic Devices: Only mnemonic devices that are acronyms or phrases based on an acronym should be used. • Blank Graphic Organizers: Colors used as labels added to the NEVER list. Arrows and fill-in-the-blank spaces removed from the NEVER list. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

18. Supplemental Aids • Math: Pictorial Models may be provided in either 3D form or 2D form (net) but NOT in both forms. Colors used as labels added to the NEVER list. Arrows and fill-in-the-blank spaces removed from the NEVER list. • Science Graphics: Colors used as labels added to the NEVER list. Arrows and fill-in-the-blank spaces removed from the NEVER list. • Social Studies Graphics: Blank maps should NEVER contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, pictures, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables. • Social Studies Timelines: Only dates are allowed. Labeling in any other way is NEVER allowed. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

19. Supplemental Aids • 2 new bullets added under Special Instructions/ Considerations Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

20. Supplemental Aids • New training slides posted with examples of allowable and non-allowable supplemental aids Supplemental Aids for STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, and STAAR L: What's Allowed and What's Not? (PPT posted 01/02/12) • Correction to Slide #13 • It is allowable for the Multiplication Chart to have the multiplication symbol in the upper corner to indicate the operation. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

21. Large Print • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • No changes to eligibility criteria Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

22. Dictionary • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • No changes to eligibility criteria • Added description of bilingual and ESL dictionaries under Examples/Types Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

23. Dictionary • Reordered bullets and clarified information under Special Instructions/Considerations • Refer to STAAR Dictionary Policy document for required dictionaries • Students should use the same type of dictionary they routinely use during classroom instruction and testing. • Must be commercially produced, not teacher-made or student-made. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

24. Oral/Signed Administration • Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer • Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content • No changes to eligibility criteria • All references to reading support also apply to signing during a signed administration. • New format for listing the assessments that OA may be used for, but no changes to the content. Still not allowed for the writing tests, including writing tests in English I, English II, and English III. Reading aloud the writing prompt is addressed under Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

25. Oral/Signed Administration • Special Instructions/Considerations • Added “If this accommodation is distracting to other students or compromises the security of the test, an individual administration is required.” • Reordered and added information to be consistent with the Oral/Signed Administration appendix to all of the test administrator manuals. • For reading tests (including English I, II, and III), student must read selection first. Then the TA may read aloud each test question and answer choices. The questions and answer choices must be read aloud in the order they are presented. • For math, science, and social studies tests, the questions and answer choices must be read aloud in the order they are presented. The test question must be read aloud prior to reading the answer choices. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

26. NewlyPosted Documents to the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Webpage • Individual or Small- Group Administration • Spelling Assistance • Braille • Photocopying Test Materials Trained in TETN #10417 • Reminders to Stay on Task • Basic Transcribing • Complex Transcribing • Extra Time (Same Day) • Extra Day • Other • General Instructions for Administering Braille and Large-Print Statewide Assessments Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

27. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

28. Reminders to Stay on Task 1 • Description • Allows a test administrator to provide a student with a disability reminders to stay on task during statewide testing beyond what is required in the standard test administration procedures. • Assessments • STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, STAAR L, TELPAS • Eligibility Criteria • The student routinely and effectively uses this accommodation during classroom instruction and testing. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

29. Reminders to Stay on Task 1 • Type 1, so no Accommodation Request Form required. • Mark blank bubble under Type 1 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. • Examples/Types • More frequent or less frequent reminders of time left to test. Refer to the STAAR Time Limits Policies and Procedures on STAAR Resources webpage for information about announcing to all students the time left to test. • Verbal and visual reminders • Tactile reminders can include using paperclips to divide test into sections • Auditory reminders can include a personal timer or clock • It is allowable to assist some students with certain reminders (paperclips, timer). • It is preferable that the student control the use of the reminder when possible. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

30. Basic Transcribing 2 • Description • Allows a test administrator to transfer student responses onto an answer document when a student with a disability is unable to accomplish this task independently. • Transferring student responses from one source onto the answer document is the important part to understand. • The student has indicated responses in some other place/manner for the TA to record onto the answer document. • Assessments • STAAR , STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, STAAR L • Refer to Special Instructions/Considerations for TELPAS Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

31. Basic Transcribing 2 • Type 2 - no Accommodation Request Form required. • Mark blank bubble under Type 2 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

32. Basic Transcribing 2 • Examples/Types Basic Transcribing applies to these situations ONLY: • Student writes, circles, or points to responses in test booklet for multiple-choice and/or griddable questions. TA transfers student responses onto the answer document. • Student dictates or signs responses to MC, griddable, and/or short-answer reading questions. TA transfers student responses onto the answer document. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

33. Basic Transcribing 2 • Examples/Types (continued) • Student writes responses on scratch paper/another workspace or types on a word processor for MC, griddable, short-answer reading questions, and/or the writing prompts. TA transfers student responses onto the answer document. • Student uses speech-to-text software to indicate responses for MC, griddable, short-answer reading questions, and/or the writing prompts. After printing the text, TA transfers student responses onto the answer document. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

34. Basic Transcribing 2 • Special Instructions/ Considerations • When transcribing a student’s dictated or signed responses to the short-answer reading questions, TA is not required to ask for clarification from student regarding spelling, punctuation, or capitalization. Not part of scoring rubric. • The student must be given the full amount of time allotted to complete the test. The TA may transfer student responses onto the answer document after the testing period has ended. • For info about TA transcribing a student’s dictated or signed responses to the writing prompts, refer to the Complex Transcribing accommodation policy. • If student needs TA to write for other reasons (e.g., make notes in test booklet, write computations during math test), refer to the Other accommodation policy. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

35. Basic Transcribing 2 “Transcribing Griddable Questions – Student Document” • Must be used when transcribing student responses to griddable questions. Also applies to LP tests. • Allows the student to know the maximum number of spaces available for an answer to a griddable question. • All student documents and a training document will be available in February at www.TexasAssessment.com. • STAAR Modified Geometry is a field test this spring; this sheet is not available. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

36. Basic Transcribing 2 • Special Instructions/ Considerations (continued) • If Basic Transcribing can be used to meet a student’s needs in an unexpected or emergency situation, it is not necessary to contact TEA. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

37. Basic Transcribing 2 This document requires an update to the Special Instructions/Considerations section and will be reposted with “Updated February 2012” in the footer: • If the student uses technology to respond to test questions or the writing prompts, ensure the following (if applicable to the technology) • internet access must be disabled • all special features (e.g., spell check, word predictor) must be disabled unless the student meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the Spelling Assistance accommodation policy Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

38. Complex Transcribing 3 • Description • Allows a test administrator to record onto an answer document a student’s dictated or signed responses to the writing prompts when the student is unable to accomplish this task independently. • Also applies to prewriting or drafts • Not addressed under Basic Transcribing because this involves interaction between student and TA regarding spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, and this requires guidance from TEA. • Assessments • Written composition parts of STAAR , STAAR Spanish, and STAAR Modified on grade 4 or grade 7 writing tests • Written composition parts of STAAR and STAAR Modified English I, English II, or English III tests • Does not apply to the multiple-choice revising and editing section Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

39. Complex Transcribing 3 Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

40. Complex Transcribing 3 • Authority for Decision/Documentation • Applicable committee recommends the use of the accommodation and documents as “pending TEA approval”. • Mark blank bubble under Type 3 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. • Type 3 – Accommodation Request Form required. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

41. Complex Transcribing 3 • Examples/Types Only used when the student dictates or signs responses to writing prompts for the TA to transcribe. • Special Instructions/Considerations • TEA will provide guidelines about how to indicate the student’s spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, along with other procedures, with any approved ARF. • The student must be given the full amount of time allotted to complete the entire test (4 hours each day). This includes the MC part as well as the written compositions. The TA may transfer the final responses onto the answer document after the testing period has ended if necessary. • If Complex Transcribing is necessary in an unexpected or emergency situation, the district must immediately contact TEA for permission and guidance. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

42. Extra Time (Same Day) 2 • Description • Allows a student with a disability to have extra time until the end of the school day to complete a statewide assessment. • Assessments • STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, STAAR L • TELPAS is already administered during the entire school day Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

43. Extra Time (Same Day) 2 Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

44. Extra Time (Same Day) 2 • Type 2 – no Accommodation Request Form required. • Mark blank bubble and XT under Type 2 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. • Special Instructions/Considerations • Not intended for all students in a specific disability category. • Only for a student with a disability with a proven need and documented success by using extra time on assignments similar in length and rigor to statewide assessment. • Not allowable for general test anxiety or to complete specific testing strategies. • Extra time testing sessions must never extend beyond a typical 7-hour school day for any one student. • Special instructions for an ELL with a disability using extra time. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

45. Extra Day 3 • Description • Allows a student with a disability to have an extra day to complete a statewide assessment. • Assessments • STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, STAAR L, TELPAS Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

46. Extra Day 3 Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

47. Extra Day 3 • Authority for Decision/Documentation • Applicable committee recommends the use of the accommodation and documents as “pending TEA approval”. • Mark blank bubble and XD under Type 3 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. • Type 3 – Accommodation Request Form required. • Special Instructions/Considerations • TEA will provide additional guidelines with any approved ARF. • Intended for an extremely small group of students with disabilities who have a proven/documented need. • 1-day tests extended to 2 full, consecutive school days (not to exceed 7 hours each day); 2-day tests extended to 3 full, consecutive school days (not to exceed 7 hours each day) Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

48. Other 3 • Description • Accommodations for students with disabilities who have unique needs that are not specifically addressed in the Accommodation Triangle. • Assessments • STAAR, STAAR Spanish, STAAR Modified, STAAR L, TELPAS Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

49. Other 3 • Authority for Decision/Documentation • Applicable committee recommends the use of the accommodation and documents as “pending TEA approval”. • Mark blank bubble under Type 3 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document. • Type 3 – Accommodation Request Form required Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

50. Other 3 • Example/Types • Other applies to accommodations that are not addressed in the Accommodation Triangle. • Other does not apply to accommodations for which a student does not meet the published eligibility criteria. • Other does not apply to things not included in the published accommodation policies, like additional supplemental aids or dictionaries for math, science, and social studies. • Special Instructions/Considerations • DTC calls ATF member to determine if desired accommodation fits this category. If so, ATF member enters into online system. • TEA will provide additional guidelines with any approved ARF. Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012