Appendix A: Universal Tools, Designated Supports,and Accommodations
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium’s Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines (Guidelines) and the CAST Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing are intended for school-level personnel and decision-making teams, including IEP and Section 504 plan teams, as they prepare for and implement the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments and the CAST. These documents provide information for classroom teachers, English language development educators, special education teachers, and instructional assistants to use in selecting and administering universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations for those students who need them. They are also intended for assessment staff and administrators who oversee the decisions that are made in instruction and assessment.
The Smarter Balanced Guidelines and CAST accessibility supports (resources) apply to all students. These directives emphasize an individualized approach to the implementation of assessment practices for those students who have diverse needs and participate in large-scale content assessments. The Guidelines focus on universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations for the Smarter Balanced assessments of ELA and mathematics. The CAST accessibility resources focus on universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations for the science content area. These documents may also support important instructional decisions about accessibility and accommodations, as well as the connection between accessibility and accommodations, for students who participate in CAASPP content-area assessments.
If a student is using an instructional support that is not listed in the California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix but is in a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, then the school or LEA may request the use of that support in TOMS as an unlisted resource.
Definitions
The summative assessments allow for accessibility resources. Accessibility resources are defined in table 1.
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | An accommodation is a change in procedures or materials that increase equitable access during administration of the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments and the CAST. Assessment accommodations will generate valid assessment results for students and allow these students to show what the students know and can do. Accommodations are available for students with documented IEPs or Section 504 plans. Approved accommodations do not compromise the learning expectations, construct, grade-level standard, or intended outcome of the assessments. |
| Designated support | A designated support for administration of the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments and the CAST is a type of accessibility resource available for use by any student for whom the need has been indicated by an educator or team of educators (with the parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate) or specified in the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. It is recommended that a consistent process be used to determine the need for these supports for individual students. Designated supports need to be identified prior to assessment administration. |
| Universal tool | A universal tool is a resource that is available to all students based on student preference and selection. |
Available Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations
For the Smarter Balanced and CAST PPTs, the California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix; the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines; and the CAST Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing should be used to guide the use of all available universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. Table 2, table 3, and table 4 list and describe the resources available for the Smarter Balanced and CAST PPTs along with considerations for planning and administration.
Table 2 lists and describes the universal tools.
| Universal Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Break |
A student may be provided breaks within a test session as needed. A break can be given at predetermined intervals or after completion of sections of the assessment for a student taking a PPT. Sometimes the student is allowed to take breaks when individually needed to reduce the cognitive fatigue experienced during heavy assessment demands. There is no limit to the number of breaks the student may take, according to the student’s unique needs. The number of items per session can be flexibly defined based on the student’s need. Students may move about the classroom or take a short break outside to refocus. Students can take breaks during PT test sessions. Refer to the Testing Times and Recommended Order of Test Administration subsections for more information about estimated testing times and the recommended order of testing. The use of this universal tool may result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. Upon returning from a break, the student should not be permitted to review responses from any section of the test other than the one currently being taken. (Note: Online pause rules do not apply.) |
| Calculator (for calculator-allowed mathematics and science assessments only) | A student in grade six or above can use a calculator in sessions 2 and 3 of the mathematics assessment. A student in one of the grades being assessed can use a calculator on the science assessment. Refer to the Calculator Use Guidelines subsection for additional information about this resource. |
| English dictionary (for ELA PT full writes) | An English dictionary can be provided for the full-write portion of an ELA PT. A full write is the second part of a PT. The use of this universal tool may result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. |
| English glossary | Grade- and context-appropriate definitions of specific construct-irrelevant terms are provided with test materials for a student’s test form. Only glossaries provided with the test materials can be used. (LEA CAASPP coordinators can request glossaries from the LEA’s assigned Success Agent. Glossaries are available for mathematics and science only.) |
| Highlighter | A student can use a tool for marking with color desired text, item questions, item answers, or parts of the test. |
| Line reader | A student can be provided with a straight edge object such as scratch paper to assist in reading by raising and lowering the object for each line of text. |
| Mark for review | A student can note items for further review after completing other items. Marks can be made in the test booklet to avoid stray marks in the answer booklet that can interfere with data entry. |
| Science reference tools (charts) | The CAST assessments for grade eight and high school include a periodic table and a reference sheet of formulas on pages at the front of the CAST test booklet. The science reference sheets must be collected and securely destroyed after testing, as it may have been used as scratch paper by a student. |
| Scratch paper |
A student can use blank scratch paper to make notes, write computations, record responses, or create graphic organizers. Note the following about scratch paper:
As long as the construct being measured is not impacted, a student is permitted to use an assistive technology device, including low-tech assistive technology (Math Window) to make notes. The assistive technology device needs to be consistent with the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. Access to the internet must be disabled on an assistive technology device. Sessions 1 and 2: All scratch paper must be collected and securely shredded at the end of each session to maintain test security. All notes on whiteboards or assistive technology devices must be securely erased at the end of each session. PTs: For mathematics and ELA PTs, if a student needs to take the PT in more than one session, scratch paper, whiteboards, and assistive technology devices can be collected at the end of each session, securely stored, and made available to the student at the next PT testing session. Once the student completes the PT, the scratch paper must be collected and securely shredded to maintain test security. Science: All scratch paper must be collected and securely shredded, whiteboards should be erased, and notes on assistive technology devices should be securely erased to maintain test security. |
| Strikethrough | A student can cross out answer options in the test booklet. |
| Thesaurus (for ELA PT full write) | A thesaurus contains synonyms of terms that a student can use while interacting with text included in the assessment. A full write is the second part of a PT. The use of this universal tool can result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. |
Table 3 lists and describes the designated supports.
| Designated Support | Description |
|---|---|
| 100s Number Table (for CAST items) | A paper-based table listing numbers from 1–100 is available for download. This non-embedded designated support needs to be downloaded and printed prior to test administration. Additional information about the 100s number table is found in appendix F of this manual. |
| Amplification | A student can use amplification assistive devices (for example, headphones, FM systems) to adjust the volume of audible information provided during testing. Use of this resource likely requires a separate setting. If the device has additional features that may compromise the validity of the test (for example, internet access), the additional functionality must be deactivated to maintain test security. |
| Bilingual dictionary (ELA PT full write) | A student can use a bilingual or dual-language word-to-word dictionary as a language support. |
| Color overlays | Color transparencies are placed over a student’s paper-based assessment. |
| Illustration glossaries (for mathematics) | A student can use Illustration glossaries, which are a language support provided for selected construct-irrelevant terms for mathematics. Illustrations for these terms appear in a supplement to the PPT and are identified by item number. |
| Magnification | A student can use a magnifying device or take a large-print version of the test. |
| Masking | Masking involves blocking off content on the PPT that is not of immediate need or that may be distracting to the student. The student is able to focus attention on a specific part of a test item by using the masking resource. |
| Medical support | The student can access medical supports for medical purposes (for example, glucose monitor, Bluetooth hearing aids). The device can include a cell phone; however, it is no longer limited to devices and should support the student during testing only for medical reasons. To maintain test security, either the device settings must restrict access to other applications or the test administrator must closely monitor the use of the device to maintain test security. |
| Multiplication table (CAST) | A student with a persistent calculation disability can use a 1–12 multiplication table. This non-embedded designated support needs to be downloaded and printed prior to test administration. Additional information about the multiplication table is found in appendix G of this manual. |
| Noise buffers | A student can use a noise buffer such as ear mufflers, white noise, or other equipment used to block external sounds. |
| Read aloud |
Text can be read aloud to the student by a trained and qualified human reader who follows the administration guidelines provided in both English and Spanish on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility Resources web page. All or portions of the content may be read aloud. This resource is a designated support for mathematics and CAST items and for all ELA items (but not for ELA reading passages). Refer to the description of the read aloud accommodation for ELA reading passages. |
| Science reference tools (charts) |
The CAST assessments for grade eight and high school use a periodic table and a reference sheet of formulas. Printable reference sheet PDFs are available for download on the CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources web page. This resource can be printed in an enlarged format. The science reference sheet page must be collected and securely destroyed after testing, as it may have been used as scratch paper by a student. |
| Scribe (for all ELA items except the ELA PT full write; and all mathematics and CAST items) (Refer also to the accommodation for the ELPAC PT full write) | A student can dictate a response to a human who records verbatim what is dictated. The scribe must be trained and qualified and must follow the administration guidelines provided on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility Resources web page. |
| Separate setting | A student’s test location can be altered so the student is tested in a setting different from that made available to most students. |
| Simplified test directions | The test administrator can simplify or paraphrase the test directions found in a test administration manual according to the Guidelines for Simplified Test Directions in the Test Administration Manual. |
| Translated test directions | Translated test directions are a language support available prior to beginning the actual test items. A student can access test directions in another language. Refer to Translated Test Directions for lists of translated test direction student resource sheets for both CAASPP Smarter Balanced and CAST. |
| Translations (glossaries) (mathematics and CAST items) | Translated glossaries are a language support provided to a student for selected construct-irrelevant terms for mathematics and CAST. Glossary terms are listed by item and include the English term and its translated equivalent. (An LEA CAASPP coordinator can request glossaries from the LEA’s Success Agent. Glossaries are available for mathematics and CAST only.) |
Table 4 lists and describes the accommodations.
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| 100s Number Table (for mathematics items) | A paper-based table listing numbers from 1–100 is available for download. This non-embedded accommodation resource needs to be downloaded and printed prior to test administration. Additional information about the 100s number table is found in appendix F of this manual. |
| Abacus | A student who typically uses an abacus can use this accommodation in place of scratch paper. |
| Alternate response options | A student with some physical disabilities (including both fine and gross motor skills) can use an alternate response option to respond to test items. |
| Braille | A student can use graphic material (for example, maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, and illustrations) presented in a raised format (paper or thermoform). Contracted and noncontracted braille is available; Nemeth code is available for mathematics. Please note that the answer booklets will not be brailled. |
| Calculator (for calculator-allowed sessions only) | A student needing a special calculator, such as a braille calculator or a talking calculator, can use a special calculator. The non-embedded calculator should have no internet or wireless connectivity, and all security procedures need to be followed. |
| Large-print | Materials are available in an enlarged format. |
| Multiplication table (for mathematics items) | A student with a persistent calculation disability can use a 1–12 multiplication table. This non-embedded accommodation resource needs to be downloaded and printed prior to test administration. Additional information about the multiplication table is located in appendix G of this manual. |
| Read aloud (for ELA reading passages, all grades; students with visual impairments in grades three through eight and grade eleven who do not yet have adequate braille skills) | Text can be read aloud to the student by a trained and qualified human reader who follows the administration guidelines provided in both English and Spanish on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility Resources web page. All or portions of the content may be read aloud. |
| Scribe (ELA PT full write) (refer also to designated support for nonwriting ELA, mathematics, and CAST) | A student can dictate responses to a human who records verbatim what is dictated. The scribe must be trained and qualified and must follow the administration guidelines provided on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility Resources web page. |
| Speech-to-text | Voice recognition allows a student to use a voice as an input to the student’s own assistive technology device and voice recognition software to dictate responses to constructed-response items. A student may use a personal assistive technology device. |
Unlisted Resources
An unlisted resource is an instructional resource that a student regularly uses in daily instruction, assessment, or both that has not been previously identified as a universal tool, designated support, or accommodation and is specified in a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. The California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix includes a list of unlisted resources that have already been identified and are approved (table 5). These and other unlisted resources can be requested by an LEA CAASPP coordinator or site CAASPP coordinator in TOMS.
Approval of an unlisted resource that has not been preidentified will be granted by the CDE as designated by the IEP team, Section 504 plan, or both, and if the unlisted resource does not compromise the test’s security. The CDE shall make a determination of whether the requested unlisted resource changes the construct being measured.
| Unlisted Resource | ELA Reading | ELA Writing | ELA Listening | Mathematics | Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilingual dictionary | Yes | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Calculator (used on nonallowed items) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes (grades 6–8 and grade 11) | N/A |
| Calculator | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes (grades 3–5) | N/A |
| English dictionary | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Math tools (for example, non-embedded ruler or non-embedded protractor) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | N/A |
| Signed Exact English | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thesaurus | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Translated word lists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Translations (not provided by the CDE, Smarter Balanced, or ETS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |