Region 4 ESCDecember 3, 2009

2

Purpose◦ provide guidance about the use of

accommodations on TAKS, TAKS(Accommodated), TAKS-M, TELPAS, and LAT Information applicable to ALL students who need

accommodations

◦ Outlines how to request accommodations that are not listed in this manual or that require an Accommodation Request Form

3

Accommodations Manual p. 2

Accommodations Manual pp. 3-4

4

Intended to facilitate printing, duplication and distribution

Some appendices have been removed and are now available as separate resources on Accommodations Resources page

“The Accommodations Request” Process has been moved from the appendices to the main body of the manual

5

Accommodations Manual p. 3

Appendix C, General Instructions for Administering Tests to Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Examples of effective and ineffective evidence are included in the “Accommodation Request Process”

Additional information regarding the use of accommodations on the TELPAS is now available in “Selecting Accommodations for Assessment”

6

Accommodations Manual pp. 3-4

Glossaries that contain definitions of content-specific vocabulary are no longer allowed as supplemental aids for TAKS (Accommodated)◦ A standard English (or Spanish if a Spanish test is

given) that is grade/ability appropriate is allowed (Appendix D pp 70-75)

List of allowable manipulatives for TAKS (Accommodated) has been expanded; See Accommodations by Category Chart

List of allowable supplemental aids for TAKS (Accommodated) has been expanded; Information found in Appendix D

7

Accommodations Manual pp. 3-4

Accommodation Request Forms◦ Received ONE WEEK PRIOR to testing◦ TELPAS reading paper test/large print TWO

WEEKS PRIOR to allow time for processing request and shipping materials

◦ Exceptions- testing coordinator calls TEA

8

Accommodations Manual pp. 3-4

Online Accommodation Request Form◦Districts can submit one request per student even if student needs multiple accommodations for multiple tests

◦Addition of a field for districts to enter tracking number for identification of requests at local level

◦Online requests for 09-10 school year available October 2009

9

Accommodations Manual pp. 3-4

Some policies have been updated and clarified Manipulatives have been added to the list of

allowable TAKS (Accommodated) List of allowable supplementary aids for TAKS

(Accommodated) has been expanded and includes additional examples (Appendix D)

10

Accommodations Manual p. 4

Texas Student Assessment Program2009-2010 Accommodations Manual

Accommodations Manual pp.13-32

Practices and procedures that provide equitable access to grade-level curriculum during instruction and assessment

Do not reduce learning expectations & do not replace the teaching of subject-specific knowledge and skills as outlined in state curriculum for each grade

Provided on an individual basis taking into consideration the needs of student

Used routinely in classroom instruction and testing

May be appropriate for instructional use but may not be appropriate or allowed on state assessments◦ Example: student-made journals (lengthy,

errors, contains specific examples) Just because an accommodation is not allowed on

the state assessment does not mean it isn’t perfectly appropriate for instructional use

Accommodations Manual p. 14

General education students with special needs

Students served by Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Eligible ELLs who need linguistic accommodations

Students with disabilities who receive special education services

By educators who◦ are knowledgeable about the state curriculum and

assessments◦ gather and review information about student’s needs

and present level of performance in relation to the grade-level TEKS, or linguistic needs

◦ are familiar with accommodation policy for each state-required assessment

◦ involve students in accommodation selection, if appropriate

Accommodations Manual pp. 14-16

For additional information, please contact:

Janey GeorgesRegion 4 ESCjgeorges@esc4.net713.744.6860