JANUARY 25, 2012 TETN #10418 TEAS STUDENT ASSESSMENT DIVISION Accommodations & SpEd Assessment.

JANUARY 25, 2012TETN #10418

TEA’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT DIVISION

Accommodations & SpEd Assessment

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.

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Texas Education Agency January 25, 2012

Caution


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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.

Agenda

What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages

Accommodations UpdateAnswers to Recent FAQs

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What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages?

STAAR Time Limits Policies and ProceduresPowerPoint 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

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What’s New on the Student Assessment Webpages?

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Accommodations Update 7


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

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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.

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Documents on the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Webpage with No

Changes

Look for “Fall 2011” in footerAmplification DevicesProjection DevicesFont and Point Size Matrices

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Updates to Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Webpage


11Look 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 ManipulativesCalculation DevicesSupplemental AidsLarge PrintDictionaryOral/Signed Administration

Critical Information about Accommodations for Students with

Disabilities…


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Look for “Updated December 2011” in footerEdits to grammar/style that don’t affect

contentPage 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

Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials


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Look for “Updated December 2011” in footerEdits to grammar/style that don’t affect contentReorganization 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 PromptClarification to instrumental music under

Minimize Distractions: Campus testing coordinator must verify that there are no lyrics

Manipulating Test Materials


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Look for “Updated December 2011” in footer

One typo correctedNo changes to eligibility criteria

Mathematics Manipulatives


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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

Calculation Devices


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Edits to grammar/style that don’t affect content

No changes to eligibility criteriaReordered bullets under Special Instructions/

Considerations Removed some bullets and replaced with new 3rd

bullet about required calculator use for some assessments:

Supplemental Aids


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Look for “Updated December 2011” in footerEdits to grammar/style that don’t affect contentNo changes to eligibility criteriaClarifications 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.

Supplemental Aids


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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.

Supplemental Aids


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2 new bullets added under Special Instructions/ Considerations

Supplemental Aids


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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 #13It is allowable for the

Multiplication Chart to have the multiplicationsymbol in the upper corner to indicate the operation.

Large Print


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No changes to eligibility criteria

Dictionary


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No changes to eligibility criteriaAdded description of bilingual and ESL

dictionaries under Examples/Types

Dictionary


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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.

Oral/Signed Administration


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Look for “Updated December 2011” in footerEdits to grammar/style that don’t affect contentNo changes to eligibility criteriaAll 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.

Oral/Signed Administration


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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.

Newly Posted Documents to the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Webpage


26Individual or Small-

Group Administration

Spelling Assistance

Braille

Photocopying Test Materials

Trained in TETN #10417

Reminders to Stay on Task

Basic TranscribingComplex TranscribingExtra Time (Same Day)Extra DayOther

General Instructions for Administering Braille and Large-Print Statewide Assessments


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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.

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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.

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Basic Transcribing


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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

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Basic Transcribing


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Type 2 - no Accommodation Request Form required.

Mark blank bubble under Type 2 in ACCOMMODATIONS field on student’s answer document.

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Basic Transcribing


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Examples/TypesBasic Transcribing applies to these situations

ONLY:1.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.

2.Student dictates or signs responses to MC, griddable, and/or short-answer reading questions. TA transfers student responses onto the answer document.

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Basic Transcribing


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Examples/Types (continued)3.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.

4.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.

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Basic Transcribing


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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.

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“Transcribing Griddable Questions – Student Document”“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.

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Basic Transcribing 2

Basic Transcribing


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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.

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Basic Transcribing


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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

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Complex Transcribing


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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



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3

Authority for Decision/Documentation Applicable committee recommends the use of

the accommodation and documents as “pending TEA approval”.


Type 3 – Accommodation Request Form required.



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3

Examples/TypesOnly used when the student dictates or signs

responsesto 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.

Extra Time (Same Day)


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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



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2



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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.

Extra Day


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Description Allows a student with a disability to have an extra day

to complete a statewide assessment.


TELPAS

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Extra Day


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Extra Day


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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)

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Other


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Description Accommodations for students with disabilities who have

unique needs that are not specifically addressed in the Accommodation Triangle.


TELPAS

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Other


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Authority for Decision/Documentation Applicable committee recommends the use of

the accommodation and documents as “pending TEA approval”.


Type 3 – Accommodation Request Form required

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Other


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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.

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General Instructions for Administering Braille and Large-Print Statewide Assessments


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Addresses issues related to both the TAKS and STAAR testing programs

Addresses specific procedures for: Student materials/equipment (e.g., different types of

paper and pens, slate and stylus, low-vision devices, speech-output calculators, special lighting)

Word processor to generate a written response Audio-graphing calculator

More time to complete testingTranscribing Griddable Questions student

documentTranscribing to answer document

Accommodation Request Process for Type 3 Accommodations


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Online Accommodation Request Form will open by February 1, 2012

Districts must follow a specific process More specific training provided in Feb. TETN

Determination of Student

Eligibility for a Type 3

Accommodation

Completion and Submission of

Online Accommodation Request Form

TEA Review and Decision

Required Communication within District

Accommodation Request Process for Type 3 Accommodations


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Remember… Only Type 3 Accommodations require the submission of an Accommodation Request Form1. Complex Transcribing2. Photocopy3. Extra Day4. Other - Always call TEA’s Accommodation Task Force if

you think an accommodation is an Other

Which accommodation is an Other?Blind, cerebral palsy, unable to learn braille – read the reading test?

3rd grader, Special Education, learning disabled in math – calculator?

What is left to post?

Accommodation Request Process for Type 3 Accommodations – before Feb. 1

Guidelines for Recording Accommodation Use on the Student’s Answer Document

General Instructions for Administering Statewide Assessments to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

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Answers to Recent FAQs

In the eligibility criteria for Oral/Signed Administration, what would “evidence of reading

difficulties” look like in the IEP or IAP?

A student who meets the following criteria may receive an oral administration:

“…Evidence of reading difficulties” is not intended to mean that the student must be identified as learning disabled in reading. Some students may have a disability, either cognitive or emotional for instance, that directly impacts their ability to decode text.

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The Section 504/ARD committee needs to ensure that the IAP/IEP contains evidence that the student has reading difficulties and is receiving accommodations to support this need.

Example Evidence: diagnostic test results, observational reports, class grades with and without reading support, goals/objectives

Remember… just because a student has reading difficulties, doesn’t mean an oral administration is going to help. This accommodation should be used only for students who use it ROUTINELY and EFFECTIVELY in the class.

A similar answer applies to the eligibility criteria for Calculation Devices that states, “The student has a disability that affects mathematics calculations.”


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REMEMBER:

• “Evidence” = documentation in the IEP or IAP

• “Reading Difficulties” = a problem reading

• Don’t just focus on the disability or label a student has

• Focus on the accommodations the student is using in class to address his/her needs

Is an Oral Administration allowed for writing tests?


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No. An Oral/Signed Administration is not allowed

on the grades 4 and 7 writing tests and the English I, II, and III writing tests.

That is why writing is not included in the list of assessments for which Oral Administration applies to.

However, refer to the Optional Test Administration Procedures and Materials document for information about reading aloud the writing prompts.

Can a student receiving an Oral Administration

have Extra Time too?


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The student MAY have Extra Time if he/she meets the eligibility criteria for this accommodation.

A student MAY NOT have Extra Time just because they are receiving an Oral Administration.

Is ADD or ADHD considered an emotional or behavioral disorder that can affect focus, allowing for

Extra Time?


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This decision should be made by the appropriate team at the campus-level (e.g., ARD committee, Section 504 committee, RTI team, student assistance team) based on the eligibility criteria for Extra Time.

Example: The campus-level team could determine a student with ADD/ADHD could have extra time if he/she routinely used extra time to complete classroom

assignments and assessments, AND he/she had evidence that extra time was effective in meeting

the student’s needs, AND he/she had evidence that Optional Test Administration

Procedures and Materials/Type 1 accommodations/Type 2 accommodations had been tried and did not alone (or at all) address the student’s needs, AND

the ADD manifested itself as a behavioral/emotional problem that affected attention/focus and required frequent/lengthy breaks

For some students, the answer could be YES. For others, the answer would be NO.

If a student receives an individual administration because he/ she was distracting to other students during testing, do I mark the accommodation on the answer document? If a student receives an individual administration

because the school followed this guidance (listed on many accommodation policy documents)…

…then Type 1 should NOT be recorded on the answer document. This is an example of maintaining test security and

confidentiality, not a testing accommodation. TEA only wants data in the ACCOMMODATIONS field

when a student requires a testing accommodation and has documentation in the applicable paperwork.

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Can students taking STAAR and STAAR Modified be grouped together on test day?

You will have separate test administrator manuals for STAAR grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and EOC

So students taking mathematics, science, and social studies tests CAN be grouped across these grades/courses and testing programs IF they are not receiving optional test administration procedures/materials or accommodations that may be distracting to other students (e.g., reading test aloud to self, oral administration) Example: May be OK to group all students taking 4-5 mathematics

but not OK to group all students taking grades 5-6 mathematics (because there are separate test administrator manuals)

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Students taking STAAR reading and writing tests could be grouped together IF they are not receiving optional test administration procedures/materials or accommodations that may be distracting to other students

But… students taking the following STAAR Modified tests CANNOT be grouped across grades or with students taking STAAR STAAR Modified grades 3-8 reading STAAR Modified grades 4 and 7 writing STAAR Modified English I or II reading and writing

tests • These assessments require the test administrator to read

aloud parts of the test• Note: Corrections to some STAAR/STAAR Modified TA

manuals are already necessary. Look for separate correction pages when the TA manuals are delivered.

What will the weighting of the written composition be on the STAAR Modified

writing tests?


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This decision has not been finalized at this time.

Keep checking the STAAR Modified Resources webpage for updates.

The modification guidelines for STAAR Modified Algebra I & Geometry mention directing student

attention to the ruler…?


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This is an error. Modified test questions for EOC assessments do not direct the students to use the ruler on the state-supplied reference materials.

There is no ruler on the state-supplied reference materials for Algebra I and Geometry.

This will be corrected in the future, maybe not until next year.

Closing


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Check the webpages for latest postings before calling or e-mailing.

E-mail:Test.Accommodations@[email protected].

usCall if you need quick answers: 512.463.9536

Next TETN #10419, Feb. 28, 1-3 pm.This PPT will be posted sometime next week.

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