Types of Resources
The initial, interim, and summative assessments and practice and training tests contain universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. Embedded resources are those that are part of the online test administration system, whereas non-embedded resources are provided by the LEA outside of the TDS. All accessibility resources are listed and described in the CDE California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix , which is the definitive source of details about the accessibility resources available for the CAASPP and ELPAC.
The information in this manual complements the California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix.
The accessibility resources in this guide are identified as universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. These resources are available for the listed, approved assessments and do not change the construct of what is being assessed. Students who receive these accessibility resources will receive a valid score. There is no penalty to the LEA for assigning these resources.
To help identify similarities between the assessment resources and classroom practices, Smarter Balanced has an Accessibility Strategies web page on the Tools for Teachers website and on the Student Accessibility Resources web page on the CDE website. A user has the option of searching for a specific accessibility resource for additional information about how instructional strategies are used in assessments.
Available Assessments
Accessibility resources are available for both the CAASPP and ELPAC.
CAASPP
The CAASPP is a system of assessments that includes the required assessments in ELA, mathematics, and science that permit students to demonstrate their mastery of the Common Core State Standards and the California Next Generation Science Standards. Also included in the CAASPP system is an optional assessment, the CSA, which measures a student’s competency in Spanish language arts.
Assessments are made accessible to all students through a variety of universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations.
Students whose IEP teams designate the use of an alternate assessment take the CAAs to demonstrate mastery of the alternate achievement standards. Since the CAAs are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student and the student’s needs, some listed accessibility resources may not be necessary or supported by the test design.
ELPAC
The ELPAC is a system of assessments that is aligned with the 2012 California ELD Standards.
The Initial ELPAC is the mandated state test for ELP that is given to students whose primary language is a language other than English as indicated in the home language survey completed when they first enroll in a California public school. Its purpose is to determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time. The Initial ELPAC is a computer-based test for all grade levels and domains except for K–2 Writing, which is a PPT.
The Summative ELPAC is the mandated state test for determining ELP. It is a computer-based test for all grade levels and domains except for K–2 Writing, which is a PPT, and must be given annually to students who have been identified as an EL student. California and federal law require that LEAs administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
Existing CAASPP accessibility resources contributed to the development of an ELPAC accessibility framework specific for this population. This approach ensures all students have the opportunity to show what they know and what they can do in English. Resources that were appropriate for the construct were considered, as well as new resources that are specific to the needs of the diverse students taking the ELPAC.
The Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are standardized measurements of ELP for EL and potential EL students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. They are aligned with the 2012 ELD Standards via the ELD Connectors, which are reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity for this specific population.
Each test is administered to an individual student by a trained test examiner, typically the student’s teacher. The Initial Alternate ELPAC and the Summative Alternate ELPAC are designed to assess the four domains via integrated receptive (Listening and Reading) items and expressive (Speaking and Writing) items that allow students to use their individually preferred communication modes to ensure eligible students can fully access and participate. Accessibility resources for the Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are provided using the same ELPAC framework.
Since the Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student and the student’s needs, some listed accessibility resources may not be necessary or supported by the test design.
Available Accessibility Resources
The following accessibility resources and test settings for CAASPP and ELPAC computer-based testing are described in the next sections. Note that usage and description information is adapted from the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines (PDF). Note also that the samples provided are screen captures made using publicly available practice tests.
Universal Tools
Universal tools are available for all students taking the listed, approved assessments and do not change the construct of what is being assessed. Students who receive these accessibility resources will receive a valid score. Universal tools are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).
Embedded
Select a resource link in table 1 to access its description. In the embedded universal tools table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Embedded Universal Tool | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breaks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Calculator, Mathematics (Selected Items) | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Calculator, Science (Selected Items) | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Digital Notepad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
English Dictionary (Writing) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
English Glossary | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
English Thesaurus | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Expandable Items | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Expandable Passages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Global Notes (Writing) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Highlighter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Keyboard Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Line Reader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Mark for Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Mathematics Tools | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Science Charts | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Science Tools | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Spanish Glossary | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Spell Check | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Strikethrough | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Writing Tools | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Zoom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Select a resource link in table 2 to access its description. In the embedded universal tools table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Embedded Universal Tool | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
Breaks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Calculator, Mathematics (Selected Items) | No | No | No | No |
Calculator, Science (Selected Items) | No | No | No | No |
Digital Notepad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
English Dictionary (Writing) | No | No | No | No |
English Glossary | No | No | No | No |
English Thesaurus | No | No | No | No |
Expandable Items | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Expandable Passages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Global Notes (Writing) | No | No | No | No |
Highlighter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Keyboard Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Line Reader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mark for Review | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mathematics Tools | No | Yes | No | No |
Science Charts | No | No | No | No |
Science Tools | No | No | No | No |
Spanish Glossary | No | No | No | No |
Spell Check | No | No | No | No |
Strikethrough | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Writing Tools | No | No | No | No |
Zoom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Non-Embedded
Select a resource link in table 3 to access its description. In the non-embedded universal tools table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Non-Embedded Universal Tool | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breaks (Computer-based Assessments, PPTs, and PPT Emergency Forms) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
English Dictionary (Writing) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
English Thesaurus | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Highlighter | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Mark for Review (Grade Two) | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Oral Clarification of Test Directions in English | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Scratch Paper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Test Navigation Assistant | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Select a resource link in table 4 to access its description. In the non-embedded universal tools table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Non-Embedded Universal Tool | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
Breaks (Computer-based Assessments, PPTs, and PPT Emergency Forms) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
English Dictionary (Writing) | No | No | No | No |
Highlighter | No | No | No | No |
Mark for Review (Grade Two) | No | No | No | No |
Oral Clarification of Test Directions in English | No | No | No | Yes |
Scratch Paper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Test Navigation Assistant | No | No | No | Yes |
English Thesaurus | No | No | No | No |
Designated Supports
Designated supports are available for use by any student for whom the need has been indicated by an educator or team of educators (with parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate). They are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).
Embedded
Select a resource link in table 5 to access its description. In the embedded designated supports table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Embedded Designated Support | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Color Contrast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Masking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Mouse Pointer (Size and Color) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain) | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain) | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Permissive Mode (Setting) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Print Size (Setting) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Streamline | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Text-to-Speech | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Text-to-Speech in Spanish | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Translated Test Directions (Spanish) | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Translation Glossaries | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Translations (Spanish Stacked–Dual Language) | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Turn Off Any Universal Tools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Select a resource link in table 6 to access its description. In the embedded designated supports table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Embedded Designated Support | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
Color Contrast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Masking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mouse Pointer (Size and Color) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain) | No | No | No | No |
Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain) | No | No | No | No |
Permissive Mode (Setting) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Print Size (Setting) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Streamline | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Text-to-Speech | No | No | No | No |
Text-to-Speech in Spanish | No | No | No | No |
Translated Test Directions (Spanish) | No | No | No | No |
Translation Glossaries | No | No | No | No |
Translations (Spanish Stacked–Dual Language) | No | No | No | No |
Turn Off Any Universal Tools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Non-Embedded
Select a resource link in table 7 to access its description. In the non-embedded designated supports table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
The single asterisk (*) indicates that the read-aloud items designated support is only available for the Writing domain for the Initial ELPAC and the Summative ELPAC.
Non-Embedded Designated Support | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100s Number Table, Science | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
American Sign Language or Manually Coded English (test directions) | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Amplification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bilingual Dictionary | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Calculator, Science (Selected Items) | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Color Contrast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Color Overlay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Designated Interface Assistant | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Magnification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Masking | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Medical Supports | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Multiplication Table, Science | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Noise Buffers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Print-on-Demand | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Printed Test Directions in English | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Read Aloud | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes |
Read Aloud in Spanish | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Science Charts | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Scribe Items (items only [non-PT full write]) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Separate Setting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Simplified Test Directions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Translated Test Directions | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Translated Test Directions in ASL | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Select a resource link in table 8 to access its description. In the non-embedded designated supports table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Non-Embedded Designated Support | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
100s Number Table, Science | No | No | Yes | No |
American Sign Language or Manually Coded English (test directions) | No | No | No | Yes |
Amplification | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Bilingual Dictionary | No | No | No | No |
Calculator, Science (Selected Items) | No | No | No | No |
Color Contrast | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Designated Interface Assistant | No | No | No | Yes |
Magnification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Masking | No | No | No | Yes |
Medical Supports | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Multiplication Table, Science | No | No | Yes | No |
Noise Buffers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Print-on-Demand | No | No | No | Yes |
Printed Test Directions in English | No | No | No | No |
Read Aloud | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Read Aloud in Spanish | No | No | No | No |
Science Charts | No | No | No | No |
Scribe Items (items only [non-PT full write]) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Separate Setting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Simplified Test Directions | No | No | No | Yes |
Translated Test Directions | No | No | No | Yes |
Translated Test Directions in ASL | No | No | No | No |
Accommodations
Accommodations are changes in procedures or materials that increase equitable access during CAASPP or ELPAC administration. Assessment accommodations will allow these students to show what they know and can do. Students assessed using accommodations will receive a valid score. Accommodations are available for assignment to students with documented IEPs or Section 504 plans. They are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).
Accommodations do not compromise the learning expectations, construct, grade-level standard, or intended outcome of the assessments.
Embedded
Select a resource link in table 9 to access its description. In the embedded accommodations table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
The single asterisk (*) indicates that this American Sign Language accommodation is available for the Speaking and Listening domains of the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC. The two asterisks (**) indicate that the closed-captioning accommodation is available for the listening portion of the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA. The three asterisks (***) indicate that the text-to-speech accommodation is available for all domains except Reading.
Embedded Accommodation | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Sign Language | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes* | No |
Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript) | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Braille | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Closed-Captioning | Yes** | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Speech-to-Text | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Text-to-Speech (Reading Passages) | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes*** | No |
Word Prediction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Select a resource link in table 10 to access its description. In the embedded accommodations table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Embedded Accommodation | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Sign Language | No | No | No | No |
Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript) | No | No | No | No |
Braille | No | No | No | No |
Closed-Captioning | No | No | No | No |
Speech-to-Text | No | No | No | No |
Text-to-Speech (Reading Passages) | No | No | No | No |
Word Prediction | No | No | No | No |
Non-Embedded
Select a resource link in table 11 to access its description. In the non-embedded accommodations table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing. The single asterisk (*) indicates that the American Sign Language accommodation is available for the Speaking and Listening domains of the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC. The double asterisks (**) indicate that the scribe writing accommodation is available for the PT full write portion of the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA.
Non-Embedded Accommodation | ELA | Math | CAST | CSA | ELPAC | ELPAC (K–2 Writing) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100s Number Table (Mathematics) | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Abacus | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Additional Instructional Supports and Resources for Alternate Assessments | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Alternate Response Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
American Sign Language or Manually Coded English | No | No | No | No | Yes* | Yes |
Braille | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Breaks | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Calculator, Mathematics (Grades Six and Above) | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Large Print | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Multiplication Table, Mathematics (Grades Four and Above) | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Print-on-Demand | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Read Aloud Reading Passages | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Scribe (Writing) | Yes** | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Speech-to-Text | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Word Prediction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Word Processor | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Select a resource link in table 12 to access its description. In the non-embedded accommodations table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.
Non-Embedded Accommodation | CAA for ELA | CAA for Math | CAA for Science | Alternate ELPAC |
---|---|---|---|---|
100s Number Table (Mathematics) | No | Yes | No | No |
Abacus | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Additional Instructional Supports and Resources for Alternate Assessments | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Alternate Response Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
American Sign Language or Manually Coded English | No | No | No | Yes |
Braille | No | No | No | No |
Breaks | No | No | No | Yes |
Calculator, Mathematics (Grades Six and Above) | No | No | No | No |
Large Print | No | No | No | No |
Multiplication Table, Mathematics (Grades Four and Above) | No | Yes | No | No |
Print-on-Demand | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Read Aloud Reading Passages | Yes | No | No | No |
Scribe (Writing) | Yes | No | No | No |
Speech-to-Text | No | No | No | No |
Word Prediction | No | No | No | No |
Word Processor | No | No | No | No |