Alaska Comprehensive System of Student Assessment (CSSA) and Testing Accommodations Presentation for New District Test Coordinators, September 2008, Anchorage,

Alaska Comprehensive System of Student Assessment (CSSA) and Testing Accommodations

Presentation for New District Test Coordinators, September 2008, Anchorage, Alaska

Janet ValentourAssessment Administrator

State Accountability Assessments Both federal and state laws require that all students with

disabilities be administered assessments intended to hold schools accountable for the academic performance of students. 4 AAC 06.775

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 team members must actively engage in a planning process that addresses:

Assurance of the provision of accommodations to facilitate student access to grade-level instruction and state assessments. 4 AAC 06.775(c)

Assurance of Accommodations The Participation Guidelines booklet was created to

support Alaska students in state-wide assessments: Students with limited English proficiency Students with disabilities

Alaska regulation requires districts and IEP/504 teams to follow the Participation Guidelines when making decision regarding assessment accommodations for students. 4 AAC 06.775(a)

Returning adults with disabilities also need assurance of accommodations.

Participation Guidelines

“The Participation Guidelines for Alaska Students in State Assessments is designed to help Alaska fulfill the commitment to include all students in state assessments.”

The Participation Guidelinesbooklet is Alaska Regulation4 AAC 06.775(a)

Accommodations Definition:

Accommodations are practices and procedures in the areas of timing/scheduling, setting, presentation, and response that provide equitable instructional and assessment access for students.

Accommodations should be applied in regular classroom practices as well as state-wide assessments.

Alaska statewide assessments which permit accommodations include: TerraNova, Standards Based Assessment (SBA), and High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE).

DO NOT BE CONFUSED Accommodation is not the same as modification.

Modification is not synonymous to accommodation.

Know the difference – Modification – a change in the content, format, and/or

administration of a test that alters what the test is designed to measure or the comparability of scores. Generally, a modification makes a test invalid. (Page 27 in the Participation Guidelines.)

Accommodations Timing/Scheduling Accommodations

Increase the allowable length of time to complete a test or assignment and may also change the way the time is organized. (2005, CCSSO)

Setting Accommodations Change the location in which a test or assignment is given or the conditions of the

assessment setting. (2005, CCSSO)

Presentation Accommodations Allow students to access information in ways that do not require them to visually read

standard print. These alternate modes of access are auditory, multi-sensory, tactile, and visual. (2005, CCSSO)

Response Accommodations Allow students to complete activities, assignments, and assessments in different ways

or to solve or organize problems using some type of assistive device or organizer. (2005, CCSSO)

Table 1: Limited English Proficient Accommodations

Accommodations are allowed for LEP students when testing for academic content knowledge and skills, but not when testing for English language proficiency.

Notice this is not specific to the NAEP

LEP Accommodations No LEP accommodations are permitted on the ELP

Assessment (IPT). Table 1 lists the only allowable accommodations

LEP students may use on statewide content assessments: Standards Based Assessment, HSGQE, and TerraNova.

The NAEP has specific LEP accommodations; do not refer to Table 1 for the NAEP.

LEP Accommodations Who makes the decision on LEP

accommodations? Teams should include a teacher or administrator, when

available, who has specialized training or experience with limited English speaking students and instruction.

Once a decision is made, it is necessary and important to document the accommodations in the LEP student's file.

As an LEP student makes progress in English, the accommodations should be adjusted.

Table 2: IEP/504 Accommodation

Students with disabilities may use appropriate

accommodations when taking assessments.

Notice this is not specific to the NAEP

IEP/504 Accommodations Who makes the decision on IEP/504

accommodations? Teams of people (teachers, administrator, etc.) who know

the educational needs of the student with disabilities. If a disability interferes with a student’s ability to

demonstrate proficiency on an assessment, the student should be provided with an accommodation.

Once a decision is made, it is necessary and important to document the accommodations in the IEP/504 plan.

Table 2: IEP/504 Accommodation

What is the

appendix?

Table 2: IEP/504 Accommodation

Are there more accommodations?

Not exhaustive…

What if a student needs to wear a hat during testing to screen overhead glare from lights?

If the adaptation is not listed on table 2, the IEP/504 team should determine whether it is an accommodation or modification. Refer to page 15 in the Participation Guidelines

What did your table group decide? Why?

Working in Groups

Take 10 minutes to discuss the remaining questions with your table leader.

After 10 minutes we will review, discuss, and clarify for understanding.

I am curious for you to share… How might you organize the accommodations before

and on the testing day?

How might you receive student information from LEP and IEP/504 teams?

How might you document your actions and practices?

Department Support Janet Valentour, Assessment Administrator

907-465-8431, [email protected]

Cedar McLean, Assessment Clerk, 907-465-2900, [email protected]