Accommodations: Decide, Document, Monitor Carrie Perkis NCDPI Division of Accountability Services Conference on Exceptional Children November 2010.

Accommodations:Decide, Document, Monitor

Carrie PerkisNCDPI Division of Accountability Services

Conference on Exceptional ChildrenNovember 2010

Testing Students with Disabilities publication

(November 2009)

Testing Students with Disabilities Web Site:

www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/policies/tswd/

Testing Accommodations Web Site:

www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/policies/accom/

Look for revised document

coming December 2010

Information from this presentation is located in:

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http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/policies/accom




What is an Accommodation?

Accommodations . . .

• Are changes in the way a student accesses instruction/assessment

• Do not change the construct of the assignment/ assessment

• Give student equal access to learning without “watering down” the content

• Are not to be provided for score enhancement

• Must be aligned or matched between classroom instruction, classroom assessments, district tests, and state tests

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Classroom Instruction

Classroom Assessment

State/District Assessment

Home, Work, Community,

Post-Secondary Education

Adapted from:Sandra J. Thompson, Ph.D., Research Associate, National Center on Educational Outcomes, University of Minnesota

The Linking of Student Accommodations

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Accommodations

≠

Modifications!

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Accommodations Differ from Modifications in that:

Modifications change the construct through altering language load, content complexity, and/or cognitive complexity.

Some examples of modifications:• Reduced assignments• Simplified reading passages• Reduced response choices

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Decide:Making Accommodations

Decisions

Who is Eligible for Accommodations?

INSTRUCTIONAL• Any student

TESTING

Students with Disabilities• Students with a current Individualized Education

Program (IEP)

• Students with a current Section 504 Plan

as well as….

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TESTINGWhile not covered in this presentation:

• Students identified as Limited English Proficient:– http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/ policie

s/slep/

• Students with current transitory impairment documentation

– Transitory impairment = impairment with actual or expected duration of six months or less

– Eligible for same accommodations as Section 504

Who is Eligible for Accommodations? (cont’d)

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http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/policies/slep/

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/policies/slep/

Who Makes Accommodations Decisions?

For a student with disabilities:

• IEP Team

• Section 504 Committee

The collaborative team should include all relevant individuals involved in the student’s education.

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Instructional Accommodations

Testing Accommodations

drive

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Considerations for Committee Decision-Making

• Base accommodations on individual student need• Refer to the list of state-approved testing accommodations• Understand purpose of the accommodation and make sure it

is relevant to the student’s need and the demands of the test• Take into account other identifications a student may have

(e.g., LEP), which may require specific accommodations based on area of need and/or content

• All relevant teachers should be informed of accommodations

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Considerations for Committee Decision-Making

Students should be using accommodations ROUTINELY during

instruction and similar classroom assessments – accommodations should

not be a surprise on test day!

Routine use = at least 30 days

prior to test date

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Document:

Recording Accommodations in Student Plans

Documentation of Accommodations: Before Testing

• IEP Team/Section 504 Committee must document all required testing accommodations in the IEP or Section 504 Plan

• Document all specific details necessary for the provision of an accommodation (e.g., estimated amount of Scheduled Extended Time)

• Use language that is consistent and aligned with that of state-approved testing accommodations

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• For students with more than one identification…

Use the following hierarchy of

accommodations documentation:

A. IEP

B. Section 504 Plan

C. LEP Plan/Documentation

D. Transitory Impairment Documentation

Documentation of Accommodations: Before Testing

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• A student has an IEP as well as LEP documentation. What plan would house ALL of the student’s accommodations?

• Hierarchy:– IEP– Section 504 Plan– LEP Plan/Documentation– Transitory Impairment Documentation

Documentation Scenario – Which would you use?

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Documentation of Testing

Accommodations in the IEP

IEP DEC4 Page 6 of 10

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Documentation of Testing

Accommodations in the Section

504 Plan

Available at:http://www.ncpublicschools.org/

accountability/policies/accom

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State-Approved Testing Accommodations for Students

with Disabilities

Categories of Testing Accommodations

• Special Print Versions

• Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Special Arrangements

• Special Test Environments

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Special Print Versions

• Braille

• Large Print

• One Test Item Per Page

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Special Print Versions

• IEP Team/Section 504 Committee meets and determines accommodation

• Required accommodations data entered into NC WISE/CECAS/LEA-approved accommodations management system at least 30 days prior to testing date

(details to be discussed later in presentation!)

• Test orders based on data entered

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AT Devices and Special Arrangements

• AT Devices• Interpreter/Transliterator Signs/Cues Test• Student Marks Answers in Test Book• Student Reads Test Aloud to Self• Test Administrator Reads Test Aloud

(cont’d)

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• Other AT Devices and Special Arrangements– Braille Writer/Slate and Stylus (and Braille Paper)– Cranmer Abacus– Dictation to a Scribe– Keyboarding Devices– Magnification Devices

AT Devices and Special Arrangements (cont’d)

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Special Test Environments

• Hospital/Home Testing

• Multiple Testing Sessions

• Scheduled Extended Time

• Testing in a Separate Room

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Special NCDPI Approved Testing Accommodations

• Accommodation Notification Form– Submit form for any accommodation that is

not on state-approved list– NCDPI team will review information and

determine approval of requests

• Submit requests early in school year

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Top 5 Accommodations that Students Required on the

EOG and EOC

1. Scheduled Extended Time

2. Testing in a Separate Room

3. Test Administrator Reads Test Aloud (not for EOG Reading Test)

4. Student Marks Answers in Test Book

5. Multiple Testing Sessions

Based on Green Book

data from 2008–09

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Scheduled Extended Time

• This accommodation is for a student who needs additional time beyond the maximum time allowed but will be able to complete the test in one school day

• EOG and EOC Test Administrator’s Manuals specify an estimated testing time and a maximum allowed testing time– With the maximum allowed testing time now

available for all students, many may no longer require Scheduled Extended Time

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Scheduled Extended Time• Student with this accommodation must be

allowed as much time as needed to complete test

• Extended time beyond the maximum testing time allowed

• Estimated amount of extended time to be specified in student’s IEP/Section 504 Plan

• Estimated extended time written in terms of minutes (extra 30 minutes) or as a multiple of test time (1.5 x)

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• Student must complete test in one day unless provided Multiple Testing Sessions

• Testing must be complete prior to normal afternoon dismissal

• Students must be allowed bathroom and lunch breaks

• Breaks occur at standard intervals as specified in the TAM unless the student also has Multiple Testing Sessions

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• Test security must be maintained at all times

• If testing continues past lunch:– Student must not communicate with other

students during lunch -OR-– Student is not allowed to return to completed

portions of test

• If student’s estimated extended time is over but student continues to work diligently, let him/her continue testing

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• Students are not required by the NCDPI to be provided the Testing in a Separate Room accommodation in order to use Scheduled Extended Time– Without Testing in a Separate Room:

• Testing begins in standard testing location

• If student is not finished after the estimated test administration time, follow procedures designated in local testing plan

• Test administrator and proctor must be present during the extended time

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Scheduled Extended TimeExample 1:

• Victor can complete a test in one day. However, he needs additional time to complete the test beyond the maximum allowed time in the TAM. His IEP states that he needs the following accommodations:– Scheduled Extended Time (extra 60

minutes)

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Example 2:

• Wendy can complete a test in one day. She requires longer than the estimated testing time in the TAM but can complete the test within the maximum allowed testing time. Her IEP states that she needs the following accommodations:– None (Scheduled Extended Time not

necessary)

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Testing in a Separate Room

• The manner in which this accommodation will be provided must be documented in the IEP/Section 504 Plan– One-on-one– Small Group

• Review local policy for definition of small group• Document specifics regarding group size (e.g.,

range, maximum number of students)

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Testing in a Separate Room• MUST be used if students are provided one or

more of the following accommodations:– AT Device that reads test aloud (without use of

headphones)– Student Reads Test Aloud to Self– Test Administrator Reads Test Aloud– Dictation to a Scribe– Interpreter/Translator Signs/Cues Test– Multiple Testing Sessions (ONLY when breaks are

not provided in alignment with standard administration procedures)

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Testing in a Separate Room: One-on-One

• Actually 2:1• Test administrator & proctor for each student• Only one student per testing location• Standard testing procedures must be followed• This accommodation MUST be used with:

– AT Device that reads test aloud (without use of headphones

– Dictation to a Scribe– Student Reads Test Aloud to Self

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Testing in a Separate Room: Small Group

• NCDPI does not mandate a maximum group size – HOWEVER, it is a “SMALL group”

• Test administrator and proctor required

• Test administrators and proctors must follow same guidelines/procedures as standard administration

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Test Administrator ReadsTest Aloud

• Valid accommodation for tests that do not measure reading comprehension

– NOT a valid accommodation for• EOG Tests of Reading Comprehension• NCEXTEND2 EOG Tests of Reading• EOC Test of English I

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• Prior to testing:– The manner in which this accommodation

will be provided must be documented in the IEP/Section 504 Plan

For example:• Read Aloud Everything• Read Aloud by Student Request• Read Aloud Everything but Numbers

– Each student must be aware of how the test will be read aloud (see above)

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• During testing:– Students must be provided Testing in a

Separate Room accommodation (one-on-one or small group)

– Students should be grouped based on how the test is to be read aloud

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• During testing (cont’d):– Test administrator must have a copy of the test

book to read from– Test administrator reads directions, items, and

answer choices as written– Test administrator may repeat instructions and

test questions as many times as needed– Test administrator must read items and

answer choices in a consistent manner

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Test Administrator ReadsTest Aloud – Read Everything

• Test administrator must read:– Item number– Test item– Corresponding answer choices

• Pause and allow students to choose an answer

• While students are responding, review next item to determine how it should be read

• Proceed to next item after students have marked their answers

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Test Administrator ReadsTest Aloud – By Student Request

• Student will indicate which item number he/she needs read aloud

• Test administrator should pause to read problem to self prior to reading aloud to student

• Test administrator must move near the student and read:– Item number– Test Item– Corresponding answer choices

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Test Administrator ReadsTest Aloud – Math Tests

Fractions, greater/less than signs, equal signs, exponents, etc. should be read aloud in the same manner as routinely

used in the classroom

EXCEPT

if reading them in this manner provides the student with the answer

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Problem Type: Place Value

Most numbers can be read in the same manner as they would be used in the classroom

All examples presented are from the Sample Test Items available online at: www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing

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Example 1Sam got fifty-four stickers from his mother, forty-seven stickers from his father, and seventy-two stickers from his uncle. About how many stickers did Sam receive?

A one hundred ninety

B one hundred seventy

C one hundred fifty

D one hundred thirty

Correct Way to Read

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When place value is involved in the test item, numbers need to be read as digits, commas, decimals, etc.


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Example 2

Correct Way to Read

Incorrect Way to Read

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What is the decimal form of three hundred twenty-five divided by one thousand?

A three two point five

B three point two five

C zero point three two five

D zero point zero three two five

What is the decimal form of three hundred twenty-five divided by one thousand?

A thirty-two and five tenths

B three and twenty-five hundredths

C three hundred twenty-five

thousandths

D three hundred twenty-five ten

thousandths

Problem Type: Fractions


Most fractions can be read in the same manner as they would be in the classroom

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Problem Type: Fractions Which of the following is the largest?

A five thirds

B eight ninths

C three halves

D seven fourths

Which of the following is the largest?

A five divided by three

B eight divided by nine

C three divided by two

D seven divided by four

Correct Way to Read

Incorrect Way to Read

Example 1

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Problem Type: FractionsIf a test item deals with converting fractions to

another form, such as decimals, one of the forms must be read as digits

Example 2

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Problem Type: FractionsCorrect Way to ReadExample 2

The coach used a digital stopwatch to time a race. The fastest time was recorded on this stopwatch:

One point seven zero zero

When the race was over, the coach posted the winning time in fraction form. Which is the winning time?

A seventeen one-thousandths

B one and seven tenths

C one and seven one-hundredths

D one and seven one-thousandths

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Problem Type: Geometry

Symbols can be read in the same manner as they would be during instruction unless the test item specifically asks what the symbol represents

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Problem Type: Geometry

Example 1 Correct Way to Read

Given points P, seven, five, Q, eight, three, R, zero, negative one, and S, negative one, one, which of the following is true?

A line PQ is parallel to line RS

B line PQ is perpendicular to line RS

C line PR is perpendicular to line QS

D line PR is parallel to line QS

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• Some things that can help in determining how to the read test item correctly:– Test administrator should be familiar with grade-

level/course content– Review examples in this PowerPoint training; make

yourself as aware as possible of the issues involved– Review the next problem while students are

answering previous problem (if reading entire test aloud)

– If reading by student request, pause and read over problem to self before reading aloud to student

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Student Marks Answers inTest Book

• Does the student really need this accommodation?– Has the student ever tried to transfer

answers to an answer sheet?– If no, provide him/her with an opportunity to

see if he/she is able to do so– If yes, were answers transferred correctly?

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• For students who do not have the ability to transfer answers to the answer sheet

During the test administration:

• Student is not to be provided with an answer sheet

• Students are to circle the letters of their multiple-choice responses directly in the test book


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After completion of testing, under secure conditions:• 3 or more staff members must be present for transcription• Test administrator/principal’s designee must transcribe

student’s answers to the appropriate answer sheet• During transcription, care must be taken to use correct

section of answer sheet• A second staff member must check the transcription to

verify accuracy; a third staff member must observe process• Two staff members must sign the outside of the test book• Test books with student’s original responses must be

securely stored for 6 months

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Multiple Testing Sessions• Allows the test to be administered during

several mini-sessions as determined by the needs of the student

• Must begin testing on the same day as the general test administration

• The manner in which the test administration is to be divided must be documented in the IEP/Section 504 Plan– More frequent breaks during testing– Testing over multiple days

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• If student does not also have Scheduled Extended Time accommodation, testing must be completed within maximum allowed testing time specified in the TAM

• IEP Teams/Section 504 Committees must coordinate with testing staff and must balance student needs with logistical constraints, testing window, availability of proctors, etc.

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Multiple Testing Sessions

Multiple Testing SessionsSome options for providing accommodation:• More frequent breaks based on testing time

– 3 minute break every 15 minutes– 5 minute break every 20 minutes

• More frequent breaks based on item completion– 3 minute break every 5 items– 4 minute break after each reading passage & items

• Testing over multiple days– Test for 60 minutes Day 1, complete test Day 2– Complete half of items Day 1, half of items Day 2

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• The Testing in a Separate Room accommodation may also be required if breaks are not provided in alignment with standard administration procedures

• Students should be grouped according to how the Multiple Testing Sessions will be provided

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• When student takes extended breaks or testing occurs over multiple days:– Student is not allowed to go back to work from a

previous session

– Student may not revisit any portion of test already completed, even if some questions were left unanswered

– Student must be told to review work prior to ending each session, and be reminded that they may not change responses in following sessions

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• At the conclusion of each testing session preceding an extended break or lunch, paper clips may be used to secure pages already completed or those planned for future sessions

• If testing sessions are provided over multiple days, the student may return to the regular class if general testing has concluded

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Multiple Testing SessionsExample 1• John can complete a test in the standard

administration time. However, he needs breaks more frequently than those designated in the Test Administrator’s Manual. His IEP lists the following accommodations:– Multiple Testing Sessions (breaks every 20

minutes)– Testing in a Separate Room (small group,

maximum of 6 students w/breaks every 20 min.)

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Multiple Testing SessionsExample 2

• Sasha requires the test to be divided over two days. She can take breaks at the same intervals as peers. She will, however, need additional time beyond the maximum time allowed in the TAM. Her IEP lists the following accommodations:– Multiple Testing Sessions (over 2 days)– Scheduled Extended Time (extra 60 minutes)– Testing in a Separate Room (small group < 8)

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Student Reads Test Aloud to Self

• Requires Testing in a Separate Room (one-on-one) accommodation

• If student misreads part of the test, the test administrator or proctor may NOT correct the student

• Use of a whisper-phone is included in this accommodation and must follow the same guidelines

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Monitor:

Monitoring Testing Accommodations Required,

Provided, and Used

USED Accommodations Monitoring Requirements

• The USED must approve the North Carolina Testing and Accountability Programs

• The NCDPI must submit evidence of a system for monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of testing accommodations

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Components of the System

• Resources for helping teams/committees make and document decisions about testing accommodations

• Documentation of required testing accommodations

• Documentation of provided testing accommodations

• Documentation of usage of testing accommodations

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Documentation of Testing Accommodations for USED

Fall 2010–2011

• Required: School Improvement Plan in NC WISE, DEC 4 (IEP) in CECAS, LEA-approved accommodations management application

• Provided: Answer sheets (and later uploaded into NC WISE)

• How Used: Review of Accommodations Used During Testing forms

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Review of Accommodations Used During Testing Forms

• Two forms– standard – NCEXTEND1

• One form per test, per administration

• Any local changes to state form - LEA Test Coordinator must contact RAC for approval

• Three Purposes: (1) Documentation of

accommodations required, provided, and used

(2) Data entry into NC WISE, CECAS, or LEA-approved accommodations management system

(3) Used for future testing accommodations decisions

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http://www.ncpublicschools.org/

Monitoring ofRequired Testing Accommodations

• Completed by case manager during team meeting (prior to testing)

• Recorded in NC WISE, CECAS, LEA-approved accommodations management system

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• Completed by test administrator during/ after testing session

• Data on provided testing accommodations also collected on student answer sheets

Monitoring ofProvided Testing Accommodations

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• Completed by test administrator after testing session

• Forms stored in student’s IEP/Section 504 folder for at least one year

• Information used in making accommodations decisions at next meeting

Monitoring ofStudent Use of Testing

Accommodations

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Accommodations Monitoring at Local Level

• Local plan for ensuring congruence of accommodations data across student plans (e.g., IEPs, Section 504 Plans), Review of Accommodations Used During Testing forms, and testing schedule

• Monitoring responsibilities specified in the Test Administrator’s Manual for:– LEA Test Coordinator – Test Administrator– School Test Coordinator – Proctor

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Accommodations Monitoring by the NCDPI

• Review of LEA testing plans

• Monthly collection and audit of required testing accommodations data

• Following testing, report of discrepancies between required and provided testing accommodations

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Accommodations Monitoring by the NCDPI

• Fall 2010 NCDPI on-site monitoring– EOC testing

• Spring 2011 NCDPI on-site monitoring– EOC testing– EOG testing– NCEXTEND2 testing

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Questions?

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Accommodations: Decide, Document, Monitor Carrie Perkis NCDPI Division of Accountability Services Conference on Exceptional Children November 2010.

Documents

students accommodations

accommodations decisions

accommodations modifications

specific accommodations

accommodations data

base accommodations

disabilities slide

student testing students