Administering Accessibility Features and Accommodations on the PARCC Computer-Based

Field Test (CBT)

• The purpose of this PPT is to prepare test administrators to administer accessibility features and accommodations on the computer-based Field Test (FT).

– Review available Field Test accessibility features and accommodations and administration guidance

– Share resources for additional accessibility training, including trainings on policy, protocol, and operational implementation guidance

• For Registration Information & Technical Guidance for CBT, click HERE

• For guidance on Selecting and Monitoring accommodations; and Policies for Operational Administration, click HERE.

Purpose

PARCC Comprehensive Accessibility Policies

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Features for All Students

Accessibility Features*

Identified in advance

Accommodations**

* Available to all participating students**For students with disabilities, English learners, and English learners with disabilities

Accessibility Features on FTfor All Students

• Tool, support, scaffold, or preference that is built into the assessment system that can be used by any student.

• Universal design features expected to benefit a variety of students and are available to all students.

• Provided onscreen, stored in a toolbar, or are accessible through a menu or control panel, as needed.

• During the assessment, students can choose which accessibility features they need for specific items. Examples include: audio amplification, highlighting, pop-up glossary, etc.

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Accessibility Features on FTIdentified in Advance

• Available to all students (i.e., not limited to students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or English learners), but will be selected and “turned on” by school-based educators prior to the assessment.

• Although school-based educators will enable the accessibility features, the student will decide whether or not to use it. These accessibility features will be readily available on the computer-delivered testing platform.

• PARCC has developed an optional PARCC Field Test Accessibility Features and Accommodation Documentation Form. This can be used to assist in registering on PearsonAccess.

If this form is used, review with test administrators prior to field testing!5

Adjustments to the test setting, test format, or test administration procedures that provide equitable access for students with disabilities, students who are English learners, and students with disabilities who are also English learners.

Accommodations for the PARCC assessments include: – Accommodations for SWD

o Presentation Accommodationso Response Accommodationso Timing and Scheduling Accommodations

– Accommodations for ELs– Unique Accommodations – Emergency Accommodations

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and English Learners

Administrative Considerations for All Students

School based teams (including IEP, 504 plan or EL teams as appropriate) may determine if any student requires any of the following test administration considerations, regardless of the student’s status as a student with a disability or English learner:

– Small group testing – Frequent breaks – Time of day – Separate or alternate location – Specified area or seating – Adaptive and specialized equipment, furniture, or lighting

Please note: IEP, 504 and EL teams may still wish to document this in a student’s IEP, 504 plan, or EL plan based on individual needs.

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Let’s Review the Accessibility Features and Accommodations that are Available for the

PARCC Computer-Based Field Test.

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Accessibility Features Available for the Computer-Based Field Test (CBT)

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Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test

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Accessibility Features for All StudentsComputer Administration Paper Administration

Audio Amplification Auditory Aids Blank Paper Blank Paper

Eliminate Answer Choices Visual Aids/Organizers Flag Items for Review Visual Aids/Organizers

General Administration Directions Clarified General Administration Directions ClarifiedGeneral Administration Directions Read Aloud

and RepeatedGeneral Administration Directions Read Aloud

and Repeated

Highlighter Tool External HighlighterHeadphones or Noise Buffers Auditory Aids

Line Reader Visual Aids/Organizers Magnification/Enlargement Device Magnification/Enlargement Device

Screen Enlargement Tool Large Print TestPop-Up Glossary Glossary in footnotes

Redirect Student to Test Redirect Student to TestWriting Tools Spell Checker

CBT Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test

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Accessibility Features for All Students

Administration Instructions

Audio Amplification Student may adjust audio on their device.

Blank Paper Test Administrator provides to students.

Eliminate Answer Choices Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.

Flag Items for Review Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.

General Administration Directions Clarified

Test Administrator clarifies directions for students who raise their hands and ask.

General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated

Test Administrator reads directions aloud for all students, and repeats only to student who raise their hands and ask.

Highlighter Tool Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.

CBT Accessibility Features for All Students Available for the Field Test

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Accessibility Features for All Students

Administration Instructions

Headphones or Noise Buffers Provided by Test Administrator (TA). If using for text-to-speech, TA will need to ensure headphones are plugged in.

Line Reader Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.

Magnification/Enlargement Device Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform.

Pop-Up Glossary Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the platform on pre-selected words.

Redirect Student to Test Test Administrator redirects individual students based on need.

Spell Checker Students may choose to bring their own external device. Device cannot have embedded grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

Writing Tools On writing tasks, students may choose to use writing tools (bold, italic, underline, etc.).

Accessibility Features & Accommodation for the Computer-Based Field Test Identified in Advance in a

Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form

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CBT Accessibility Features & Accommodation Available via a Special Registration “Session”

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There are three Accessibility Features and one Accommodation that are only available via computer-based administration on unique forms in special registration “sessions” that need to be identified in advance.

• Answer Masking• Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)• Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments• Text-to-Speech for English Language Arts/Literacy

If a student is pre-selected for one of these features, they cannot also be selected for another at the same time.

• Example: A student taking the grade 3 ELA/literacy EOY cannot have both answer masking and background/font color at the same time. Only ONE can be selected.

CBT Accessibility Features Identified in Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form

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Accessibility Features CBT Grades/Content Available Administration

Answer Masking EOY Only ELA: Grades 3, 5, 8, 11 Math: Grades 4, 7, Algebra I and Geometry

Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to use this pre-selected tool on an item-by-item basis.

Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)

PBA and EOYELA: Grades 3, 5, 8, 11 Math: Grades 4, 7, Algebra I and Geometry

*Five color options are available; refer to Field Test Accessibility Features and Accommodations Overview or Manual for color options.

Identified ahead via selection of special form. Applies to the entire assessment.

Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments

PBA/EOY Grades 4, 7, Algebra I (Human reader and human interpreter available for all grades, if needed.)

Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to click a “text-to-speech” button to hear pieces of items/tasks/passages read aloud via text-to-speech technology on an item-by-item basis.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” - UNIQUE FORM AVAILABLE

CBT Accessibility Features – No Special Session (externally provided)

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Accessibility Features

CBT Grades/Content NOT Available Administration

Answer Masking

All PBA in ELA & MathematicsEOY Only -ELA: Grades 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 -Math: Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II, Integrated I, II, III

Students may choose to use external masking cards (e.g. blank paper, straight edge).

Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)

PBA and EOY -ELA: Grades 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 -Math: Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II, Integrated I, II, III

Colored overlays may be used by the student as need. Font color cannot be changed.

Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments

PBA/EOY -Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II, Geometry, Integrated I, II, III

Test administrator will use a password to pull up the CBT on a teacher device and read aloud (or sign) the assessment to pre-selected students according to the Protocol and Math Audio Guidelines on PARCConline.org. Students in each grade/content area who need a human reader will take the same form so small group administration can occur.

NOT EMBEDDED IN PLATFORM FOR THE FOLLOWING GRADES/CONTENT

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (SWD)Identified in Advance via an IEP or 504 Plan and

Available for the Computer-Based Field Test

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Assistive Technology

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• Some students with disabilities (with IEPs or 504 plans) may need to bring assistive technology to equitably access the PARCC Field Test.

• For current guidance on assistive technology for the PARCC Field Test, please refer to the posted guidelines on PARCConline.org.

CBT Presentation Accommodation Identified in Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form (or externally provided)

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Accommodation Availability Administration

Text-to-Speech for ELA/Literacy Assessment**(See GUIDANCE p.27-29)

Special CBT Form: -PBA/EOY -ELA: Grades 5, 8, 11

Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to click a “text-to-speech” button to hear the ELA/literacy assessment read aloud via text-to-speech technology.

Human reader and human interpreter available for all grades, if needed.

No CBT Form: -PBA/EOY: -ELA: Grades 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

Test administrator will use a password to pull up the CBT on a teacher device and read aloud (or sign) the assessment to pre-selected students according to the Protocol and ELA Audio Guidelines. Students in each grade/content area who need a human reader will take the same test so small group administration can occur.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN GRADES ONLY

CBT Response Accommodations for SWD (Identified during Registration)

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Accommodation Availability Administration

Calculation Device and Mathematics Tools **(See GUIDANCE p.30)

All Grades Students use calculator embedded in the platform, or may bring an external calculation device (e.g., abacus, talking calculator, large button calculator) as determined by IEP team.

Speech-to-Text (external device)**(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)

All Grades and Content Areas

Student must be tested individually. Test administrator provides a microphone (may be embedded in device) and headphones. Student may choose to speak their written responses and responses will be captured via speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input responses into TestNav according to the posted Scribe Guidelines.

If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must be tested individually. Student may sign responses to an interpreter. Test administrator scribes student responses according to the Scribe Guidelines.

Word Prediction**(See GUIDANCE p.33) All Grades

Students may bring external word prediction devices for the ELA/literacy Performance-Based Assessment. Devices cannot include grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.

CBT Timing & Scheduling Accommodations for SWD (Identified during Registration)

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Accommodation Availability Administration

Extended Time (See GUIDANCE p.34) All Grades

Student gets extended time accommodation and may have until the end of the school day to complete a test session. It is recommended to test students with extended time accommodations in a separate setting to minimize distractions for all students, and to schedule these students for testing in the morning so their testing time can be extended until the end of the school day, if needed.

Accommodations for English Learners (EL)Identified in Advance and

Available for the Computer-Based Field Test

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CBT Accommodations for English Learners (Identified during Registration)

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Accommodation Availability Administration

Extended Time All Grades/Content Areas

Student gets extended time accommodation and may have until the end of the school day to complete a test session. It is recommended to test students with extended time accommodations in a separate setting to minimize distractions for all students, and to schedule these students for testing in the morning so their testing time can be extended until the end of the school day, if needed.

General Administration Directions Clarified Native Language

All Grades/Content AreasTest Administrator clarifies directions in student’s native language, as requested by student.

General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated Native Language

All Grades/Content Areas

Test Administrator reads directions aloud and repeats in student’s native language, as requested by student.

CBT Accommodations for English Learners (Identified during Registration)

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Accommodation Availability Administration

Speech-to-Text Responses Dictated in English for the Mathematics assessments in English

(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)

All Grades in Mathematics

Student must be tested individually. Test administrator provides a microphone (may be embedded in device) and headphones. Student may choose to speak their written responses and responses will be captured via speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input responses into TestNav according to the posted Scribe Guidelines.

If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must be tested individually. Test administrator scribes student responses according to the Scribe Guidelines.

Word-to-Word Dictionary (English/Native Language)

All Grades/Content AreasStudents may bring external published word-to-word English/native language dictionary. Dictionary may not include definitions or pictures. If there is no published word-to-word dictionary available, a unique request for an electronic word-to-word dictionary can be made.

Unique and Emergency Accommodations andStudent Refusal Form

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Unique Accommodations

• For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests must be submitted to the state at least four weeks prior to testing.

• Refer to Appendix F: Unique Accommodation Request Form

• For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests will be approved by the PARCC Accessibility, Accommodations, and Fairness Operational Working Group.

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Emergency Accommodation

• An emergency accommodation is appropriate in cases where a student needs a new accommodation immediately prior to the assessment due to unforeseen circumstances. – Cases could include students who have a recently-fractured limb (e.g., arm, wrist, or

shoulder); whose only pair of eyeglasses has broken; or a student returning from a serious or prolonged illness or injury.

• If prior to or during testing, the school principal (or principal’s designee) determines that a student requires an emergency accommodation, an emergency accommodation form must be completed and submitted to the state.

• Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.

• Refer to Appendix G: Use of an Emergency Accommodation on a PARCC Assessment

Student Accommodation Refusal

• If a student refuses an accommodation listed in his or her IEP, 504 Plan, or EL plan (if used by your state), the school should document in writing that the student refused the accommodation, and the accommodation must be offered and remain available to the student during testing.

• School test coordinators should work with test administrators to determine if anyone else should be informed when a student refuses an accommodation documented in an IEP, 504 Plan or if available an EL plan (if used by your state).

• Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.

• Refer to Appendix H: Student Accommodation Refusal Form

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Additional Resources for PARCC Accessibility and Accommodations

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Other Accessibility Resources

• PARCC Field Test Tutorials – w/TestNav 8 accessibility features training (CLICK HERE)

• PARCC Sample Items (CLICK HERE)

• PARCC Approved Accessibility Policy Manual & Implementation Guidance• PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual• Overview website page, including implementation appendices A-K• Translation Policy Memo

• Field Test Training Module on “Accessibility Features and Accommodations with Computer-Based Testing” (CLICK HERE)

• Field Test Coordinator Manuals & Field Test Administrator Manuals for CBT and PBT (CLICK HERE)

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Online Support and Resources: http://PARCC.Pearson.com/Support

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Thank you for your help in coordinating the PARCC Field Test!

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