Testing Accomodations Presentation
- 1. Test Access & Accommodations for Students with DisabilitiesAugust 12, 2011
- 2. Student Participation in AssessmentsThe participation of students with disabilities in assessments is assured by the following federal laws:
- 3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA)
- 4. Parts 100 and 300 of the Code of Federal Regulations
- 5. No Child Left Behind of 2001 (NCLB)
- 6. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- 7. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990Participation in AssessmentsIDEA 2004 § 300.160 b) Accommodation guidelines.A State (or, in the case of a district-wideassessment, an LEA) must develop guidelines for the provision of appropriate accommodations. (2) The State’s (or, in the case of a district-wide assessment, the LEA’s) guidelines must—
- 8. § 300.160 (continued) (i) Identify only those accommodations for each assessment that do not invalidate the score; and (ii) Instruct IEP Teams to select, for each assessment, only those accommodations that do not invalidate the score.
- 9. Accommodations vs. ModificationsAccommodations are practices that provide equitable access to test items, for example,
- 10. More time than peers to complete tests
- 11. Read-aloud of math and science test items
- 12. Modifications are intentional changes that might reduce performance expectations
- 13. Requiring a student to complete fewer test items
- 14. Giving hints or clues to make items less difficultTest AccommodationsWho can receive accommodations?Students who are currently receiving special education described in an Individualized Education Program (IEP)Students with current Section 504 PlansDocumentation on file at school must support all accommodations provided to students during state assessments
- 15. ProctoringRoles and ResponsibilitiesTesting proctors have a moral and legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities while maintaining the integrity of the examination.Teachers know their students best and have a moral and legal responsibility to apply for accommodations directly related to access and ensure that every accommodation needed for access is requested.
- 16. ProctoringRoles and ResponsibilitiesMust sign NYSED proctoring agreement
- 17. Is responsible for making sure all policies and procedures are carried out in assigned room
- 18. Adheres strictly to providing the test accommodations listed on the IEPTransfer s accommodation used by students to the test booklet(s)
- 19. State AssessmentAccommodation CategoriesFlexibility in Scheduling/TimingFlexibility in SettingMethod of PresentationMethod of ResponseOther AccommodationsAccommodations for Physical Education Assessments
- 20. Flexibility in Scheduling/TimingExtending time e.g. double timeStop-the-clock breaksAdministering test over multiple days
- 21. Flexibility in SettingSeparate location/room-administer test individually or in small group
- 22. Special furniture and/or devicese.g. study carrelSpecial lighting
- 24. Location with minimal distraction
- 25. Preferential seatingMethod of PresentationRevised test format e.g. large print
- 26. Read aloud of directions
- 28. Language in directions simplified
- 29. Cues
- 31. Use of aids or assistive technology devices
- 32. Test readMethod of ResponseRevised response format
- 33. Use of additional paper for math calculations
- 34. Use of aids/assistive technology
- 35. Scribe
- 36. Tape recorder
- 37. Word processor
- 38. ComputerOther AccommodationsOn-task focusing prompts
- 39. Waiving requirements for spelling, paragraphing and punctuation
- 40. Use of calculator, abacus, arithmetic tables, spell-check device, grammar-check deviceAccommodations for Physical Education AssessmentsReduce playing area, number of participants, time on task
- 41. Use of aids/equipment to communicate/accommodate for physical assessments e.g. use of beeper, buzzer, varied equipment, verbal cuesPrior to AssessmentKnow the accommodations to be providedKnow how to administer themKnow where extended-time and read-aloud will take placeUse accommodation forms to record implementation16
- 42. Testing Pitfalls to AvoidUse ONLY the Materials assigned to student
- 43. Use separate rooms for students with different accommodations
- 44. Accommodated students tested separate from standard time students
- 45. Give tests in the proper sequence
- 46. Never leave students unattendedAssessment AccommodationsIt is critical to note that although some accommodations may be appropriate for instructional use, they may not be appropriate for use on a standardized state assessment.
- 47. Testing accommodations may only be applied if they are listed on a student’s IEP or 504 plan. During the AssessmentPractice Ethical TestingUnethical testing practices include:Coaching student during testsEditing student responsesGiving clues in any wayChanging the content by paraphrasing or offering additional information19
- 48. During the AssessmentEnsure Test Security Ensure the confidentiality of test questions and answersMaintain test integrity and validityThis becomes an issue when accessible test formats are used or when someone other than the student is allowed to see the test20
- 49. Accommodations do NOT…Change, lower, or lessen learning, or reduce assessment expectations. Example: Require a student to learn less material.Example: Revise assignments or tests to make them easier. Result in implications that could adversely affect a student throughout his/her educational career.21
- 50. After the Assessment Return ALL materials to a secured location:Student bookletsAlternate test versionsOriginal student workScratch paper22
Editor's Notes
- #10: The Accommodations Guidelines is organized into the accommodation categories listed above. Presentation accommodations: allow students to access information in ways that do not require them to read standard print visually. These alternate modes of access include:AuditoryMulti-sensoryTactileVisualResponse accommodations: allow students to complete assignments, tests, and activities in different ways or to solve or organize problems using assistive devices or organizersSetting accommodations: change the location in which a test or assignment is given or the conditions of the assessment settingTiming/scheduling accommodations: increase the allowable length of time to complete a test or assignment and may change the way that time is organized