Expanding Access

Expanding AccessAccessibility Features and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in PARCC Assessments

In Brief2014-2015 school yearComputer-based PARCC state assessments will be implementedPerformance-Based, Midyear, End of YearMathematics and English language arts/literacyPARCC has embedded accessibility features for ALL studentsOther accessibility features may be provided for individual students as neededPARCC also has identified accommodations that students with disabilities and students who are English learners may require

PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual

To support educators in selecting, providing, and evaluating accessibility features and accommodations.

(59 pages)

www.parcconline.org

Helpful ResourcesA Teachers GuideA Parents Guide

www.parcconline.org

promoting student accessApplying principles of universal design for accessible assessments to allow participation of the widest possible range of students

Appropriate tools are used by all students to address their individual learning needs, and accommodations are provided to eligible students (including students with disabilities, English learners, and English learners with disabilities)

Accommodations and features used on PARCC assessments are generally consistent with those used in daily instruction.

Provide ALL students with equal opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned.

Accessibility FeaturesTools or preferences that are either built into the assessment system or provided externally by test administrators

Can be used by ANY student taking the PARCC assessments

Since the accessibility features are intended for all students, they are not classified as accommodations.

Students should be exposed to these features prior to testing, and should have the opportunity to select and practice using them.

Examples of accessibility features for all students

Pages 22- 23 of ManualA closer look

Administrative considerations for ALL students

Page 24 of manualHelping Students with Disabilities Show What They Know and Are Able to DoUnless a students IEP team determines that the student will participate in an alternate assessment, he or she will participate in the new PARCC assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA/L) and mathematicsThe majority of students in Ohio who have an IEP will participate in the new PARCC computer-delivered assessments PARCC allows for a paper-and pencil version if a students IEP or Section 504 plan requires it as an accommodationFor students who are unable to take a computer-delivered assessment due to a disability. List of accommodations available for students who take the paper-pencil form will be included in an appendix, to be released soon.

Table of ContentsFour distinct groups of students may receive accommodations on parcc assessmentsStudents with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Students with a Section 504 plan

Students who are English learners; and

Students who are English learners and with disabilities who have an IEP or 504 plan.

AccommodationsFor PARCC assessments, accommodations are adjustments to the testing situation, test format, or test administration that provide equitable access during assessments for students with disabilities and students who are English learners.

The administration of an assessment should not be the first time an accommodation is introduced to the student.Accommodations

Pages 25- 35 of ManualPresentation Accommodations

Response Accommodations

Timing and scheduling accommodations

Setting considerationsUniversal Design!Some students with disabilities will require small group or individual testing due to other accommodations they use on PARCC assessments (e.g., interpreter, human reader for the paper-based administration of the assessment, etc.)Students with physical disabilities may need a more accessible location, more space, specific room conditions, or special equipment.remindersTest accommodations must be listed in the IEP, 504 plan, or documented for an English learner and MUST be provided.

The administration of an assessment should not be the first time an accommodation is introduced to the student.

QuestionsPlease feel free to contact:laurie.langenfeld@email.sparcc.orgLaurie Langenfeld, ST9 Consultant, Special Education and School Improvement

elaine.barkan@email.sparcc.orgElaine Barkan, Stark ESC Consultant, Curriculum, Instruction, Gifted, PARCC

dana.weber@email.sparcc.orgDana Weber, Stark ESC Consultant, ELL, Gifted