ASDB TAS

Accommodations vs. Modifications

Common Traps

High-Stakes Testing

AIMS SpecificInformation

What would you do? Test Anxiety

General Strategies Elementary Level Presentations Examples

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Do not change the expectations for learning

Do not reduce the requirements of the task

Do change the expectations for learning

Do reduce the requirements of the task (e.g., reduce number of items, alternate assignments, lower-level reading assignments)

Modifications

ASDB TAS

PresentationResponseSettingTiming and Scheduling

ASDB TAS

Visual

•Books and materials with large print and graphics

•Device to magnify print (e.g., handheld magnifiers, enlarged computer screen)

•Visual cues (e.g., a bookmark for tracking while reading)

•Note-taker

•Reduction of visual clutter (e.g., high contrast between text and background; sufficient space between letters, words, and lines)

ASDB TAS

Auditory Tactile

•Amplification devices

•Books on tape, audio books

•Oral reader (e.g., screen reader, peer, volunteers, or adult)

•Braille text

•Manipulatives

•Tactile graphics (e.g., raised-line maps, charts, graphs)

ASDB TAS

Write answers in a test booklet rather than on a separate answer sheet

Use a computer to complete their work Use an augmentative communication device

for verbal responses Use a scribe (e.g., have peer or adult write

answers for them) Record responses Use a Braille writer

ASDB TAS

Circle or point at answers Use a spell checker or grammar checker Use a calculator Utilize a graphic organizer Practice with manipulatives Use a note-taker

ASDB TAS

Supply adaptive furniture and equipment Adjust table height for students who use

wheelchairs Provide appropriate seating (e.g., a chair size

to allow student to be properly positioned) Provide tables with ample room for materials Eliminate visual and auditory distractions

ASDB TAS

Provide preferential seating (e.g., carrels) Allow the use of headphones to buffer

extraneous noise Permit students to work individually or in

small groups Create room for a student's guide dog or

service animals Allow students to test in a separate room

(e.g., library)

ASDB TAS

Provide breaks as needed

Extend the time necessary to complete assignments

Provide a timeline for completing tasks

Break large tasks into smaller ones

ASDB TAS

Use a timer to signal the end of a break

Shorten testing sessions

Administer tests over more than one day

Schedule instructional activities or tests when the student is more alert

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Standard accommodations are intended to reduce or even eliminate the effects of a student’s disability.

Students should receive the same accommodations for classroom instruction, classroom assessments, district assessments, and state assessments.

Not all accommodations appropriate for instruction are appropriate for use during a standardized state assessment.

ASDB TAS

Ask yourself:

Does the student use accommodations during daily instruction?

If the student uses accommodations during daily instruction, does the student need accommodations in order to participate in the state assessment?

If so, which testing accommodations are necessary and appropriate for the student?

ASDB TAS

Students with IEPs or 504 Plans

ASDB TAS

Accommodation Content Area

Place marker use. W, R, M, S

More breaks and/or several shorter sessions. W, R, M, S

Test at a different time of day. W, R, M, S

Simplify language for the scripted directions or the directions that students read on their own.

W, R, M, S

Read aloud or sign the directions that students read on their own.

W, R, M, S

ASDB TAS

Accommodation Content Area

Read aloud or sign the writing prompt, writing test items (HS only), mathematics test items, or science items.

W, M, S

Large print edition of test. W, R, M, S

For a student who is blind, use of an abacus for mathematics test items.

M

For a student who is blind, use of an electronic dictionary and thesaurus for the writing prompt response. Grammar check, spell check, encyclopedia, translation, and internet access must be turned off.

W

For a student who is blind, Braille writers W, R, M, S

ASDB TAS

Accommodation Content Area

Have multiple choice responses transferred from a test book into an answer document.

W (HS only), R, M, S

Record or dictate multiple choice responses to a scribe.

W (HS only), R, M, S

Use assistive technology for the writing prompt response with spell check, grammar check, and predict ahead functions turned off.

W

For mathematics test, use of a personal whiteboard which can be seen by only the student and is erased after every problem.

M

Braille edition of test. W, R, M, S

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Gains made in schools over time are highlighted in order to win public approval of public-school education.

The public is reassured that the educational standards are enforced and taught.

Weak schools are identified, and resources are allocated to boost lower performing schools.

ASDB TAS

School improvement efforts are monitored, and policymakers and the public are informed about school performance.

Evaluation and instruction is consistent across schools for all students.

ASDB TAS

Rewards or recognition for high or improved performance

Motivation to teach the standards

Opportunities to identify and address student weaknesses

Means for evaluating teaching performance based on student assessment scores

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Go to sleep earlyEat breakfastArrive earlyBe prepared,

bring your materials

ASDB TAS

Read directions carefullyPlan your time, pace yourselfRely on your first impressions*Answer all questionsMake thoughtful guessesPositive self-talk

ASDB TAS

Incorrect answers fall into five categories:

1.Carelessness2.Misinterpretation of the question3.Incorrect reading of the question4.Lack of information5.Not studying the material

ASDB TAS

DO NOT live by the old saying, “Always go with your first impulse.”

Two reasons to change your answer IF you discover new information in another

questionIF you misread the question the first time

Go with your first impulse as a last resort.

ASDB TAS

Check your work

Review the questions you were unsure of

Make sure you answered all questions

ASDB TAS

Matching Multiple ChoiceTrue/False Essay

ASDB TAS

Look at both lists before you answer

Pick one list to start

Read all the choices before answering

No guessing until the end

ASDB TAS

When you do not know the answer, mark it TRUE!

Usually more “true” questions

Look for specific details in statements (more likely to be true)

ASDB TAS

Words that can make a question false:

All No oneAlways BestOnly WorstNone EveryoneNever AbsolutelyAbsolutely not CertainlyNobody Certainly not

ASDB TAS

All trees except pine trees molt their leaves in the fall.

FALSE

Water always drains clockwise.

FALSE

ASDB TAS

Words that can make a question true:

Usually SomeProbably MightFrequently OftenMany MaySometimes MuchMost Unlikely

ASDB TAS

Dieting combined with consistent exercise will usually aid in weight loss.

TRUE

It is sometimes possible to leave early.

TRUE

ASDB TAS

Questions that state a reason are usually false (for T/F only!!)

Words to watch for:Since Because WhenIf

ASDB TAS

Read carefully and completely to the end of the sentence.

One detail can make a statement false.

ASDB TAS

Watch out for double negatives

“Not uncommon.” = “It is common!”

“I can’t not go.” = “I have to go.”

ASDB TAS

Each question has 3 parts: Stem Options Distractors

ASDB TAS

Stem The information

The question

Options Answer choices

Distractors Incorrect answers

ASDB TAS

Which is the best definition of quest?A. a speakerB. a journeyC. a purposeD. a reason

Distractors

Stem

Options

ASDB TAS

General Steps

Answer questions you know

Skip questions you don’t know

Choose the best answer

ASDB TAS

1. Hide the options.

2. Read the stem.

3. Think about the answer.

4. Read the options.

5. Cross out distractors.

ASDB TAS

AlwaysNeverNoneAll

BewareBeware of the absolute!

ASDB TAS

Opposite options give you a clue!

The bill of the woodpecker robin is:a) blunted and shortb) sharp and longc) virtually nonexistentd) curved and small

The answer is b.

ASDB TAS

Similar options give you a clue!

The United States’ Independence Day is:

a) July 4b) January 20c) March 17d) July 31

ASDB TAS

Longer answers tend to be correctMore detailStand out

Shorter answers tend to be wrong

ASDB TAS

Answers that include these words are frequently right:

GenerallyProbablySometimesUsually

ASDB TAS

The first time “all of the above” or “none of the above” is used, it is usually correct.

ASDB has:a) A basketball team.b) A football team.c) A volleyball team.d) All of the above.

ASDB TAS

If numbers are in the answer, pick from “medium” numbers

11,000 3,0008,00020,000

ASDB TAS

A mile is:a) 800 metersb) 2400 metersc)1600 metersd) 1200 meters

The answer is c

ASDB TAS

Re-word the original question to make your introductory sentence

Organize your thoughts before you write

ASDB TAS

Improving your AIMS writing scores: Use a dictionary to check your spelling.Use a thesaurus

Pick out 5 wordsFind another way to say them

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Focus on:

Topic IntroductionExamplesEndingConventions

ASDB TAS

BYU Practice Exams

Quiz-Tree

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Guides for Students and Parents

Released AIMS Sample Tests

Sample Passages and Questions from the International Study Center

 

ASDB TASAZ Department of Education (2009)

For every student:Separate place to take testPreferential seatingSpecial lightingRepeat the scripted directionsSpecial pencilFamiliar administratorDictionary, thesaurus on writing portions

only

ASDB TAS

What does it mean for your students?More breaksSigned directions (after you read)Signed writing promptIf used in the classroom,

can be used for test.

ASDB TAS

What is the topic?What issues are addressed? What conclusion does the author

reach about the issue(s)? What are the author's reasons for

his or her statements or belief?Is the author using facts or theories?

ASDB TAS

Good Essay Writing Principles:Read the question a few times.

Pay attention to verbs and other words that give you direction.

Organize your thoughts before you write. Re-word the question to make your

introductory sentence.Make a clear thesis statement.

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

TOPIC: Reading is important because it helps us learn, communicate, and be independent.

1. Learna. News, world eventsb. New skill

2. Communicatea. Talk with friendsb. Share ideas

3. Independenta. Get an apartmentb. Get a job

ASDB TAS

Adults have influence on young people’s lives. Think about the qualities demonstrated by adults that you admire.

Write an essay explaining the most important qualities demonstrated by adults that you admire.

ASDB TAS

What’s wrong here?

ASDB TAS

True or False

ASDB TAS

Test questions should be answered in numerical

ascending order no matter how long it takes for each answer.

ASDB TAS

You don’t need to bother with the directions given within the

test. It’s easy to figure out what to do without reading the

directions.

ASDB TAS

If there is time left after finishing the test, you should

review your answers, especially those you weren’t

sure of.

ASDB TAS

Even though there is a time limit on the test, it’s okay to

spend as much time as necessary on each question.

ASDB TAS

When you’re not sure of the answer to a question, you can sometimes eliminate choices

and then guess from the remaining choices.

ASDB TAS

With a multiple-choice question, you don’t need to read all the possible choices

before answering.

ASDB TAS

After answering each question, it’s a good idea to make sure you have marked the answer

you meant to mark.

ASDB TAS

The more nervous you are while taking a test, the better

your chances of getting a good score.

ASDB TAS

You are in the testing room. The test supervisor has just

explained about taking the test and asks, “Are there any

questions?” You should not ask questions if no one else does.

ASDB TAS

Suddenly, you realize that you marked the answer to question 25 opposite number 26 on your answer sheet. This means that

you probably skipped an answer somewhere and you should go back to find where

the error occurred.

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

Losing one’s place in the passage when pausing to circle an answer or mark notes.

Skipping over important directions.

ASDB TAS

Being inattentive to graphics and pictures.

Responding to test passages in the same way as to novels read for pleasure.

ASDB TAS

Progressing out of order when moving from the booklet to the bubble sheet, causing disorientation.

Relying on memory for details in the passage and never checking back with the passage to confirm.

ASDB TAS

Over-relying on background knowledge to answer questions.

Consuming too much time to confirm answers in passages.

Becoming overwhelmed by too much text or too little text.

ASDB TAS

Jumping from passage to passage so quickly that content becomes mixed or confused.

Being overly methodical or perfectionist.

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

You get stressed?

You feel anxious?

ASDB TAS

Feelings Discomfort, fear, dreadBody Sweating, nausea, fatigue, headaches,

muscle tension, shaking

Behavior Avoidance, withdrawalThoughts Can’t concentrate, negative thoughts

ASDB TAS

Thoughts and worries about the test.

Trouble staying focused.

FeelingsSensationsTension

Physical

ASDB TAS

FriendsExerciseHealthy foodSleepLearn to relaxPrepare ahead of timeSet realistic goalsBe positive

ASDB TAS

Tell yourself to STOPDaydreamVisualize successFocus on an object

ASDB TAS

BREATHE“Scan” your bodyTense and relaxImagine yourself in another place

ASDB TAS

Distract yourselfChew gumEat hard candyDrink water

Affirmation statements“I can do this!”“I know the answer!”

ASDB TAS

Find a quiet comfortable place.Get into a relaxed and comfortable position.Sit quietly.Close your eyes.Focus on your breathing; slow, full, deep

breathsTense and tighten your muscles group by

group.Let your whole body relax, continue to

breathe deeply.Continue for a few minutes.

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

1. Preview the text.2. Read the questions and jail the detail.3. Read the passage.4. Answer the questions.

ASDB TAS

Look at the title

Look at the pictures/captions

Look at the bold words/headings

ASDB TAS

Read carefully and completely!Then…

Jail the detail!Put a box around the unique word(s)

 

ASDB TAS

As you read, look for the unique word(s) and the answers to the questions

Underline the answers to the questions

ASDB TAS

Be sure to read ALL the choices Slash the trash!

ASDB TAS

Session 1:The Basics

Session 2:Test

Questions

Session 3:Review & Practice

ASDB TAS

ASDB TAS

The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2010). Accommodations: Instructional and Testing Supports for Students with Disabilities Retrieved on January 22, 2013 from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/acc/chalcycle.htm

The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2004). Accountability: High-stakes testing for students with disabilities. Retrieved on January 22, 2013 from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/hst/chalcycle.htm

ASDB TAS

Arizona Department of Education (2009). AIMS information center. Retrieved January 26, 2009 from http://www.ade.state.az.us/.

Brigham Young University (BYU) (2009). Test taking strategies. Retrieved January 23, 2009 from http://ccc.byu.edu/learning/.

Ellis, D., Macina, D., McMurray, E., & Toft, D. (2007). Becoming a master student. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

ASDB TAS

Landsberger, J. (2009). Study guides and strategies. Retrieved January 23, 2009 from http://www.studygs.net/.

Learning Express (2007). Test-taking power strategies. New York: Learning Express.

Lowe, P., Unruh, S., & Greenwood, S. (2004). Anxiety: Tips for teens. In Canter, A., Paige, L., Roth, M., Romero, I., & Carroll, S. Helping children at home and school II: Handouts for families and educators. Bethesda, MD: NASP, pp. S10-5-S10-8.

ASDB TAS

Merrell, K. W. (2001). Helping students overcome depression and anxiety. New York: Guilford.

University of Central Florida (UCF) (2009). Test taking strategies for multiple choice tests. Retrieved October 12, 2009 from http://www.sarc.sdes.ucf.edu/ss55.pdf.