1. Fall Trainingfor Spring 2014 Accommodations

2. Where to begin… • Start with needed conversations and trainings • Build on past preparation and address most pressing needs • Ensure that all staff is trained • Check for compliance

3. Start Saying Goodbye to STAAR Modified

4. Avoid fanning the fires of fear… • Address the needs for Spring 2014 testing and not predictions for 2015, when conducting ARDs • Let parents know that this will be the last year STAAR Modified will be administered (none for Dec. EOCs) • Let them know that accommodations are being evaluated for 2015 and may change, but that right now there are no specifics • Explain that Texas is moving to be more aligned with the rest of the nation • Reassure parents and staff

5. Type 1 accommodations are approved locally based on specific eligibility criteria. The decision to provide these accommodations is made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level (e.g., ARD committee, Section 504 placement committee, RTI team, student assistance team). Type 1 Type 2 Type 2 accommodations require TEA approval to use during a state assessment. The appropriate team of people at the campus level determine whether the student meets all of the specific eligibility criteria and, if so, submits an Accommodation Request Form to TEA.

6. Work to prevent the… All You Can Eat Buffet approach to accommodation selection!

7. The needed foundation…

8. Key Points Reviewed Leveling the playing field allowing access to grade-level or course TEKS- Accommodations… are changes to instructional materials, procedures, or techniques that allow a student with a disability to participate meaningfully in grade-level or course instruction

10. No “one-size-fits-all” approach!

11. State Assessment Reference Guide

12. Accommodation type Description of Accommodation This section provides a general description of the accommodation Assessments This section lists the assessments the accommodation may be used on by eligible students. Student Eligibility Criteria This section lists the eligibility criteria that must be met in order for the student to use the accommodation on a state assessment. Authority for Decision and Required Documentation This section describes who can make accommodation decisions for students, where to document these decisions, and what to record on the answer document. Examples/Types This section describes the specific examples/types of the accommodation that may be used on the state assessment. Pay careful attention to this list because it is sometimes exhaustive. Special Instructions/Considerations This section outlines special instructions and considerations about the accommodation that educators must be aware of when making the decisions to use the accommodation and when administering the assessment with the accommodation. This icon indicates whether or not an Accommodation Request Form is required. Accommodation type This section provides a general description of the accommodation This section lists the assessments the accommodation may be used on by eligible students. This section lists the eligibility criteria that must be met in order for the student to use the accommodation on a state assessment. This section describes who can make accommodation decisions for students, where to document these decisions, and what to record on the answer document. This icon indicates whether or not an Accommodation Request Form is required. This section describes the specific examples/types of the accommodation that may be used on the state assessment. Pay careful attention to this list because it is sometimes exhaustive. This section outlines special instructions and considerations about the accommodation that educators must be aware of when making the decisions to use the accommodation and when administering the assessment with the accommodation.

14. The AKA Accommodation

15. Type 1 Individualized Structured Reminders • The accommodation formerly known as “Reminders to Stay on Task” • This accommodation is now for students needing more structured reminders and can include (but is not limited to) • paperclips to divide test into sections • structured reminders that are part of a behavior plan • personal timers • Any student (e.g., general ed., special ed., 504) can receive this accommodation if he/she meets the eligibility criteria. • … routinely and effectively uses this accommodation… • Special Consideration • General reminders to stay on task, for example taps on the shoulder and reminders to keep working, are allowable for any student. (See 2014 District and Campus Coordinator Manual)

16. Special Instructions • Large Print • Braille • Deaf/Hard of Hearing

17. Type 1 Standardized Oral Administration (SOA) • For 2014, the following assessments are offered statewide as an online option for oral administration • grade 4 reading and mathematics • grade 7 reading and mathematics • grade 8 science and social studies • All guidelines for oral administration apply to SOA. • Allows a student to independently select and change his or her level of reading support during the test administration. • SOA should only be administered to an eligible student for whom the appropriateness of this type of oral administration has been discussed and documented. • Online tutorial: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/SOA/

18. SOA • http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/SOA/

19. No Internet Access, Cell Phones, Photographic Capabilities

20. Type 2 Accommodations-A.K.A “Pending TEA Approval”

21. Recording Accommodations on the Student’s Answer Document • GA = general accommodation • BR = braille administration • LP = large print administration • OA = oral administration • XD = extra day • LA = linguistic accommodation

22. Reminders • Dec. 2013-EOCs –allowable Spring 2013 • TAKS • http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/accommodations/

23. Thoughtful selection required !

24. Questions • Testing Department • 228-0055