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West Virginia TASC Accommodations

Training

Copyright © 2013 by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC. This publication or portions thereof may not be

reproduced and distributed. The TASC logo and Test Assessing Secondary Completion are

trademarks of McGraw-Hill Education. All other brands and product names found in this

publication are the property of their respective owners and are not associated with the

publisher of this publication.

Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.

Agenda

• Test accommodations overview

• Types of Accommodations – Allowable resources

– Spanish version

– Alternate formats

– Special testing accommodations

• How to execute accommodations during testing – CBT

– PBT


Accommodations and Resources Overview

• CTB/McGraw-Hill supports the intent of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and is committed to supporting access to the TASC for individuals with disabilities

• To this end, the TASC design includes accessible formats and allowable resources that are available to all examinees

• In addition, examinees with documented need may apply for special testing accommodations


Types of Supports • Examinees have access to three types of support during TASC

testing: – Allowable resources:

• No formal approval is required for the use of these resources

• In some cases a prior notification form must be filled out and provided to the testing center at the time of scheduling so that the testing center can accommodate the request

– Special Testing Accommodations:

• The examinee must request the use of these accommodations and formal approval from the West Virginia State Test Administrator is required prior to test administration

• Special testing accommodations are intended to account for the effects of a person’s disability on assessment results


Types of Supports (continued) – Alternate Formats:

• TASC is available in English and Spanish in alternate formats including Braille and large print editions

• To receive alternate formats, the examinee must provide prior notification to the testing center

• A Prior Notification Form is available for download on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com

http://www.tasctest.com/


Subject Areas

• TASC assesses five subject areas: – Language Arts: Reading

– Language Arts: Writing

– Mathematics

– Science

– Social Studies

Allowable Resources


Allowable Resources • Allowable resources:

− Tools, procedures, and materials that an examinee may use to support test taking

− Allowable resources include items such as earplugs, magnifying glasses, or seat cushions

− No formal approval is required for the use of allowable resources

− In some cases a notification form must be filled out and provided to the testing center prior to testing so that the testing center can prepare to support the request

− A summary of allowable resources and the Prior Notification Form are available for download on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com

− TASC Examinees should submit the Prior Notification Form to the Test Coordinator at the TASC Testing Center at the time they schedule or register for testing



Test Formats

• Three TASC forms are available each year in English and Spanish in CBT and PBT – Forms A, B and C

• Alternate formats: – Large print

– Braille (2 forms only each in English and Spanish)

– Audio

• Large print and Braille require prior notification

• Audio requires prior approval


Allowable tools, procedures, and materials

Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Blank Place Markers Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of

the standard TASC administration, may be used as a place-marker

tool on the PBT.

Prior notification is not required.

Mark for Later Review is a navigation feature

that is part of the standard CBT

administration.


Cushion The TASC examinee may bring a seat cushion.

Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to

bring the cushion.

The TASC examinee may bring a seat cushion.

Prior notification is not required. The

examinee is required to bring the cushion.

Highlighter Highlighters are not permitted on the PBT. No markings may be

made on the PBT because the same test booklets are used for

multiple examinees.

A highlighter tool is available as part of

standard CBT administration.




Scratch Paper Scratch paper is provided during testing by the testing center as

part of standard test administration. All scratch paper is collected

and destroyed at the conclusion of testing. Examinees may

request lined paper or graph paper.


Scratch paper is provided during testing by

the testing center as part of standard test

administration. All scratch paper is collected

and destroyed at the conclusion of testing.

Examinees may request lined paper or graph

paper.


Eraser Each TASC examinee is permitted to bring, or will be provided

with, sharpened number 2 pencils and an eraser as part of

standard test administration.


A digital eraser is available as part of standard

CBT administration.


Option Eliminator Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of the standard TASC administration, may serve as an option eliminator on the PBT. Prior notification is not required.

An option eliminator is available as part of

standard CBT administration.




Blocking Ruler Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of the standard TASC administration, may be used in lieu of a blocking ruler on the PBT. Prior notification is not required.

In the TASC CBT, a blocking ruler is available

as part of standard administration.


Formula Sheet TASC examinees will be provided access to a formula sheet as part of

standard test administration where applicable.


A formula sheet is available as part of

standard CBT administration conditions

where applicable.


Colored Overlays An examinee may use tinted clear plastic overlays over pages in the

test booklet.

Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to bring

the overlays.

The CBT has configurable settings for

background color, font color and font size.

Prior notification is required. The

administrator must change system settings to

support the examinee’s request.



Noise Reduction The examinee may use earplugs to reduce background noise. The

examinee will need to provide his or her own such device and make

it available to the Examiner for inspection prior to testing.


the device and earplugs.

In the CBT, an auditory calming tool is

available. Earphones must be requested

from the test center in advance.




Magnifying Device An examinee may use handheld magnifiers, eyeglass-mounted

magnifiers, freestanding magnifiers, or magnifying overlays, to

enlarge text and graphics.


the device.

A digital magnifying glass is available in the

CBT.




Straightedge The TASC examinee may use scratch paper provided by the test center to aid in spatial orientation and reading. Prior notification is not required.

A masking ruler tool is available in the CBT.






Magnification A large‐print edition (PBT) is available upon request.

Prior notification is required.

Large font is available on the CBT.




Special Lighting Special lighting is allowed for an examinee to enhance examinee vision and comfort. For example, some examinees may need to be seated near the window for natural lighting or may bring a small desk lamp. Prior notification is required. The examinee must bring a small desk lamp, if required. The examinee’s seating location may need special consideration if an electric outlet is necessary. (Note: Use of desk lamps may not be allowable at some testing centers.)

Special lighting is allowed for an examinee to enhance examinee vision and comfort. For example, some examinees may need to be seated near the window for natural lighting or may bring a small desk lamp. Prior notification is required. The examinee must bring a small desk lamp, if required. The examinee’s seating location may need special consideration if an electric outlet is necessary. (Note: Use of desk lamps may not be allowable at some testing centers.)


CBT Allowable Resources

• For computer-based features that are available as allowable resources, the Test Coordinator may need to change system settings in order to provide for the system functionality that will enable examinee use

• The examinee should provide prior notification to the testing center for those features to be made available

Special Testing Accommodations


Special Testing Accommodations

• Special testing accommodations:

− Only provided to examinees with appropriate documentation diagnosing their disability or disorder and supporting the need for the recommended accommodation

– An examinee may only receive a special testing accommodation if he or she has submitted a TASC Special Testing Accommodations Request Form to be formally approved by the West Virginia State Test Administrator

– The request form must contain accommodations recommendations from a physician, psychiatrist, or other appropriately licensed professional

• In these cases, examinees may only receive the accommodation(s) that have been specifically approved


Accommodations Process

• West Virginia examinees download the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form from the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com

• Examinees will submit the request form directly to the West Virginia State Test Administrator at [email protected] – If a WV examinee sends his/her request form to CTB, CTB will forward

it to WV

• If submitted via email: CTB will forward it electronically

• If submitted via paper or fax : CTB will scan it and forward it electronically


mailto:[email protected]


Accommodations Process (continued)

• CTB, Test Coordinators, and examinees will receive notification from the West Virginia State Test Administrator as to the specific accommodations approved

• Examiners will receive instructions from the Test Coordinator as to which accommodations to provide to a particular examinee


Special Testing Accommodations: Alternate Presentations

Accommodation

Category

Accommodation

Details PBT CBT Description

Alternate Presentation

Audio CD of Subject-

area Tests

YES An audio CD presentation of TASC Math, Science, Social Studies,

Reading and Writing is available in English and Spanish. A CD player

is required and should be provided by the test center.

DVD of Signed Version

of Test Instructions

YES A DVD of signed instructions in American Sign Language is available

to examinees. A DVD player and appropriate viewing device is

required. A DVD player should be provided by the test center.

Screen Reader (CBT) YES The TASC CBT has screen reader functionality. The examinee

activates the reader by positioning the cursor on the text and

clicking.


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Breaks

Supervised Breaks YES YES Both the PBT and the CBT can be administered with supervised

breaks. The CBT can be paused for up to 20 minutes to

accommodate a break.

Multiple Sessions YES The TASC PBT can be administered over multiple sessions. The

coordinator will store the assessment in a locked cabinet between

sessions. The examinee must be supervised during breaks.

Special Testing Accommodations: Breaks


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Calculator

Calculator Memory

Function

YES The memory function of a calculator can be used to support working

memory. In these cases, it is expected that the examinee knows how

to use this feature and has experience with this accommodation.

Talking Calculator YES An examinee with visual impairments or print disability may receive

approval to use a talking calculator during testing.

Special Testing Accommodations: Calculator


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Duration

1.25 Times Standard

Testing Time

YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 1.25

(1 ¼) times the standard administration time. This duration is

available only for the PBT.

1.50 Times Standard

Testing Time

YES YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 1.5 (1

½) times the standard administration time. This duration is available

for both the PBT and the CBT.

Twice the Standard

Testing Time

YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 2.0

(2) times the standard administration time. This duration is available

only for the PBT.

Special Testing Accommodations: Duration


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Physical Support

Preferential Seating

Location

YES YES Preferential seating refers to seating in a location that supports the

examinee’s testing experience. Preferential seating may be free

from distractions, have special lighting conditions, have extra desk

space for large materials, (large-print or Braille materials), etc.

Adaptive Equipment YES YES Assistive technology (PBT only), pencil grips, etc.

Adaptive Furniture YES YES Adjustable height desks, cushioned furniture, wheel chair friendly

desk, chairs with armrests, etc.

Other Other physical support accommodations may be approved based on

the examinee’s particular needs.

Special Testing Accommodations: Physical Support


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Scribe

Point or Dictate

Answers

YES A scribe may be provided for the PBT. The scribe must be qualified,

have appropriate training, and follow specified guidelines.

For the Writing Test YES

Special Testing Accommodations: Scribe


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Technology Device

Technology-assisted

Writing

YES Technology-assisted writing is an accommodation when the

following features are disengaged: formatting, spell check, and

grammar check.

Assistive Technology

Device

YES Examinees may use personal assistive technology devices. However,

all assessment content must be deleted from the device following

testing.

Special Testing Accommodations: Technology Device


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Separate Room Separate Room YES YES An examinee may be tested in a separate location with a qualified

examiner present.

Special Testing Accommodations: Separate Room


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Small Group Setting Small Group Setting YES YES An examinee may be tested in a small group setting with a qualified

examiner present.

Special Testing Accommodations: Small Group Setting


Accommodation

Category

Accommodation


Other To be described in the

Request Form

YES Accommodations not otherwise listed may be approved based on

the Evaluator’s recommendation and the Examinee’s particular

needs. Special arrangements may be required to support such

accommodations and not all testing centers may be able to provide

all approved accommodations.

Special Testing Accommodations: Other

Special Testing Accommodations Request Form


Applying for Special Testing Accommodations • To apply for Special Testing Accommodations for the TASC, the

request form should be completed by the TASC Examinee (with the support of an Advocate, if desired) and by a licensed professional Evaluator

• The Examinee should deliver the completed form to the TASC Test Coordinator at the local testing site for processing and verification – Forms may be submitted to the West Virginia State Test Administrator if the Test

Coordinator is not available

• Once verified, the request form is to be submitted to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review and approval


Request Form

• The request form has four sections: – Sections 1, 2, and 3 must be completed prior to the request being sent

to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review

Section is completed by the…

1 Examinee

2 Evaluator (a licensed professional who can diagnose the Examinee’s disability and recommend appropriate accommodations)

3 TASC Test Coordinator at the Examinee’s local TASC Testing Center

4 West Virginia State Test Administrator


Steps to complete accommodations request 1. The Examinee completes Section 1 (with the support of an

Advocate, if desired)

2. The Evaluator completes Section 2 and provides supporting documentation in the form of an Evaluation Report

3. The Examinee provides the request form to the TASC Test Coordinator at the local testing center

4. The TASC Test Coordinator and Examinee review Sections 1 and 2 for completeness

5. If Sections 1 and 2 are deemed complete, the TASC Test Coordinator completes Section 3


Steps (continued) 6. The Examinee sends the request form and supporting

documentation, such as the Evaluation Report, to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review

7. The West Virginia State Test Administrator reviews the request form, makes an approval decision, and mails the decision letter to CTB, the Examinee, and the local testing center

8. After the request form has been submitted the Examinee can contact the West Virginia State Test Administrator for questions about the status of a request

Final thoughts…


Documentation

• The following additional important documents, available on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com, will help the Examinee and Evaluator prepare the request form for submission: – Overview of TASC Accommodations

– TASC Allowable Resources and Prior Notification Form

– TASC Special Testing Accommodations Descriptions

– Examinee Guidelines for Requesting TASC Special Testing Accommodations

– Evaluator Guidelines for Requesting TASC Special Testing Accommodations

– TASC Special Testing Accommodations Approval Criteria



CTB Customer Support

• TASC Technical Support – [email protected]

– Toll Free: (888) 282-0589

– Hours: 7:30am – 8pm EST

• Monday - Friday


West Virginia State Test Administrator

Debra Kimbler Assistant Director Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development Building 6, Room 728 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, WV 25305-0330 304.558.6315 P 304.558.4874 F E-mail: [email protected] wvde.state.wv.us



Thank you!