Accommodations Toolkit

P

P

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P

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P

N

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SD

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N

X

N

X

N

X

X

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X

X

X

N

P

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P

P

P

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X

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X

X

X

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X

X

X

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X

X

X

N

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P

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X

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X

X

X

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SD

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SD

N

X

X

X

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X

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P

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P

P

P

P

P

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N

X

N

P

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SD

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X

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P

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20

1

5

14

0

2

10

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2

The following are examples of modifications that are not allowed on most standardized assessments. Educators must read the test administration directions for the specific assessment prior to administering the test to ensure that the test is not inadvertently invalidated. Modifications will invalidate an assessment because they change what the assessment is measuring and/or give the student an unfair advantage. This is not an exhaustive list of modifications.

• Using spell or grammar check

Technology Use for Paper-Based Testing (writing assessment): Grammar check, spell check, encyclopedia, word predictive functions, and internet access must be turned off.

Accommodation:

Spell Checker (Electronic and External):

Definition: Hand-held device used to correct spelling errors on the writing essay for paper testing. Electronic devices may not have word prediction, a thesaurus, or contain definitions. Type: Accommodation. Recommended Usage: Examinees whose spelling errors impact their writing to the point of being incomprehensible to others. Notes: General spelling is not scored. Grammar check must be turned off.

Universal Feature (ELA):

The writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses, spell check gives only an indication that a word is misspelled. It does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only on the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated as appropriate.

Universal Feature (ELA):

External spell check device provided by school.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the DeSSA Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task. PAN – only available for constructive response items/open-ended questions. Students will see a red line below the incorrectly spelled word.

Accessibility Feature (Universal Feature):

The student uses the embedded spell check icon in TestNav to review their written text for errors. If preferred, the student uses an external spell check device. Device may not have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

Devices designed to check grammar or spelling must not be used.

Alternative keyboards, mice, joystick, or other communications device with grammar and spell checks disabled; Internet disabled.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Accessibility Feature (Universal Feature):

Spell Check or External Spell Check Device: The student uses the embedded spell check icon in TestNav to review their written text for errors. If preferred, the student uses an external spell check device. Device may not have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

Universal Feature:

Writing Tools: Bold, italic, undo/redo, and spell check are available for student-generated responses.

Accessibility Feature (Universal Feature):

Spell Check or External Spell Check Device: Students who have difficulty producing written text as a result of a difficulty with language recall may benefit from the use of a dictionary or spell checker. During Testing: The student uses the embedded spell check icon to review their written text for errors. If preferred, the student uses an external spell check device. Device may not have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

Accommodation (ELA):

Spell-checker for the ELA test or ELA Composition retest, including an external spell-checking device for the paper-based test; or in conjunction with the typed response accommodation for the paper-based test:

This accommodation is intended for a small number of students with disabilities that severely limit or prevent them from spelling correctly, even after varied and repeated attempts to teach the student to do so. The student must meet all of the following criteria:

• be virtually unable to spell simple words (i.e., at the beginning stages of learning how to spell), as documented by locally-administered diagnostic evaluations; and
• produces understandable written work only when provided this accommodation, which the student uses during routine instruction; and
• receives ongoing intervention to learn the skill.

The student may not use grammar check or access the internet during the test.

Use of word processor for constructed response items (word prediction/spell check turned off).

If the software allows for macros, spelling autocorrect, grammar autocorrect, or word prediction, then those features must be turned off.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Accessibility Feature (Universal Feature):

Spell Check or External Spell Check Device: The student uses the embedded spell check icon in TestNav to review their written text for errors. If preferred, the student uses an external spell check device. Device may not have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

Assistive Technology:

Note: spell check, word prediction programs and grammar checking are modifications in some language arts/literacy assessments (refer to individual assessment manuals).

Accommodation:

A “spell check device/software” may be used as a testing accommodation on any State assessment or Regents Examination in accordance with the testing accommodations recommendations documented in the student’s IEP/504 plan. For students with disabilities who participate in the Grades 3-8 ELA Tests, the recommendation for this testing accommodation on all tests (which would include the Grades 3-8 ELA Tests) is appropriate only for students with disabilities that severely limit their ability to spell words while writing/typing. A recommendation for a “spell check device/software” as a testing accommodation for students in grades 3-8 should be informed by evaluative information indicating that, even after explicit, systematic, and research-based spelling instruction, the student’s disability precludes or severely limits his/her ability to spell words, including words at the early stages of spelling skill development.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool to check the spelling of words in learner-generated responses.

Universal Feature (Math, Science):

This feature allows the student to check the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spellcheck is available for items that require a student to type a constructed response. Unlike some word processing programs, the Test Delivery System does not automatically highlight misspelled words as the student types. Students must click the ABC button to check spelling. Spellcheck is not allowed on the English language arts OST or the writing OGT. There are no type-written responses for mathematics.

Use computer or other assistive technology device to respond: Student utilizes an electronic input device without the “help” features, such as spell check, an electronic dictionary, a thesaurus, or access to the Internet.

Universal Feature (ELA):

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the OSAS Item Specifications indicate that spell check is appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing).

Use of spell/grammar checker, autocorrect, word prediction with topic specific dictionary functions, internet functions, stored files, and other supports is not allowed.

Accommodation (ELA):

SPELL-CHECKER. The student has a disability that affects their ability to spell and requires a spell-checking device or software. Students who receive this accommodation must meet the criteria below. Criteria: This accommodation is intended for a student who has a documented disability that severely limits or prevents them from spelling correctly, even after varied and repeated attempts to teach the student to do so, as documented by locally administered diagnostic evaluations. The student must meet all of the following criteria:

• The student is virtually unable to spell simple words (i.e., at the beginning stages of learning how to spell);
• The student produces understandable written work only when provided this accommodation, which the student uses during routine instruction; and
• The student receives ongoing intervention to learn the skill.

EMBEDDED SPELL-CHECKER: The student may use the embedded spell-checker in TestNav or an external spell-checking device for ELA. See next column for information on using an external device.

EXTERNAL SPELL-CHECKER: The student will use an external spell-checking device for ELA. Grammar check and internet access must be turned off.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Assistive technologies: Internet access, spell check, grammar check, and word prediction ahead functions must be turned off.

Designated Feature (ELA):

Spelling assistance: This accommodation, or designated support, provides various types of spelling assistance for a student with a disability. For a student who meets the eligibility criteria, this designated support, that is locally-approved, may be used on:

• State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) English I and English II (written composition ONLY)
• Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) writing ONLY (authentic classroom writing activities)

A student may use this designated support if that student

• receives Section 504 or special education services;
• routinely, independently, and effectively uses it during classroom instruction and classroom testing;
• and organizes and develops ideas and understands the basic function and use of written language conventions (e.g., sentence structures, irregular verbs) but has a disability that is so severe that the student cannot apply basic spelling rules or word patterns (e.g., prefixes, suffixes) to written responses.

This designated support may include only

• visual sound cards;
• frequently misspelled word list (e.g., student-made, teacher-made, commercially produced);
• spellcheck function on a word processor or as an online embedded support on STAAR;
• pocket spellchecker;
• word prediction software;
• text-to-speech (TTS) software or devices; and
• speech-to-text (STT) software, applications, or devices, including the use of the speech-to-text online embedded support in the Test Delivery System (TDS).

Universal Feature (ELA Writing): Students who have difficulty producing text due to the speed with which they are able to enter keystrokes, or who have difficulty with language recall, may benefit from spell check or word prediction software for instruction. On assessments, spell check or word prediction may or may not be available, or only available on items where it would not violate the construct of the item. For example, spell check would not be available on writing passages that are assessing spelling.

Universal Feature:

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled; it does not provide the correct spelling. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all performance task full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing). A full write is the second part of a performance task.

Accommodation (ELA):

Spelling Aids (Short-paper component of the Writing Assessment only): Students with disabilities are permitted to use approved spelling aids on the SOL short-paper component of the Writing assessment only. Spelling aids include spell checkers and spelling dictionaries. A spelling dictionary provides a list of words, but does not include definitions. The spelling aid must meet the criteria established by the Virginia Department of Education. See Appendix B in the Virginia SOL Test Implementation Manuals.

English Dictionary (Short-paper component of the Online Writing Assessment only): Students who cannot access the online spell check tool or other permitted spelling aid for the short-paper component of the online Writing test may use an English dictionary to check spelling.

Universal Feature (ELA):

For full write only. A writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student responses. Spell check only highlights misspelled words; it does not provide the correct spelling. Appears automatically within response box editing tools when spell check is permitted. This tool cannot be turned off in TIDE. Students can become familiar with this type of feature by accessing the Practice Test.

Universal Feature (ELA):

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check gives an indication a word is misspelled and offers a correct spelling. Spell check is bundled with other embedded writing tools for all full writes (planning, drafting, revising, and editing).

Universal Feature (ELA Writing):

Writing tool for checking the spelling of words in student-generated responses. Spell check only gives an indication that a word is misspelled and provides a list of word options. This tool is available only for the Writing assessment.