Test Accommodations and NYS Test Proctoring Requirements

1
Test Accommodations andNYS Test Proctoring
Requirements

• Grades 3-8 NYS Testing Program
• December 17, 2008

2
NYS Grades 3-8 Testing

• English Language Arts grades 3-8
• Math grades 3-8
• Social Studies grades 5 8
• Science grades 4 8

3
Test Accommodations

• are changes in testing procedures or formats,
  based on needs of students with disabilities, to
  provide the student with an equal opportunity to
  participate in test situations and to demonstrate
  their knowledge and abilities.

4
Purpose

• To enable students with disabilities to
  participate in test programs on an equal basis
  with their non-disabled peers
• To provide students with disabilities to
  demonstrate what they know without being limited
  or unfairly restricted due to their disability
• Is NOT to provide an unfair advantage

5
Test accommodations are intended to level the
playing field for students with disabilities with
their non-disabled peers.
6
Test accommodationsaccommodate a students
disability. They do NOT guarantee the student
will pass the test!
7
Not just for NYS tests

• Test accommodations must be used consistently
• In the classroom
• Throughout school year
• In all programs/settings
• On all state, district, and teacher-made tests,
  quizzes, exams
• Exception - diagnostic tests

8
Questions?

• Share one thing presented about test
  accommodations so far that you will take back to
  class with you.

9
Test accommodations change

• The way the test items are presented
• or
• The students method of responding
• or
• The process a student uses to derive responses to
  the test items

10
Categories of Test Accommodations

• Flexibility in Scheduling/Timing
• Extended time multiple days
• Flexibility in Setting
• Minimal distractions small group 11
• Method of Presentation
• Directions read directions simplified test
  read large print
• Method of Response
• Mark answers in test booklet word processor
• Other
• Delete spelling, paragraphing, punctuation
  requirements refocusing prompts

11
Directions Read(green sheet)

• Directions are the how to part of the test
• Proctor may read directions as many times as the
  student needs
• Directions must be read exactly as writtenword
  for word
• For ELA 3-8, only directions that are to be
  read aloud to ALL students may be read!

12
Share one thing to remember about
implementingDirections Read.
13
Directions Simplified(green sheet)

• Proctor may reword directions
• This is only allowed when specifically stated
  on IEP. Otherwise, all directions must be read
  word-for-word, without rephrasing.

14
Share one thing to remember about
implementingDirections Simplified.
15
Test Read(pink sheet)

• Entire test read
• Everything word-for-word (no rephrasing)
• Proctor may read questions/sections as many times
  as the student needs or requests
• Students must have a copy of the test in front of
  them
• Limitations of Test Read for ELA 3-8

16
Test Readcontd (pink sheet)

• For ELA 3-8
• all directions, items, questions in LISTENING
  WRITING section (Book 2) may be read aloud to
  student.
• only directions that are to be read aloud to ALL
  students in Books 1 3 may be read!
• No other part of the test may be read regardless
  of IEP!

17
Share one thing to remember about
implementingTest Read.
18
Scribe(gold sheet)

• The scribe writes or word processes for the
  student
• Writes students ideas as he/she dictates
• May make an outline as directed by student
• Fills in a graphic organizer as directed by
  student
• Is not responsible for spelling, paragraphing,
  punctuation, or grammar unless this is indicated
  on the IEP.
• Must follow NYS scribing guidelines! (gold sheet)
• Limitations for ELA 3-8

19
Scribe contd (gold sheet)

• For ELA 3-8
• deletion of spelling, punctuation, and/or
  paragraphing requirements is not permitted!
• spell-checking grammar-checking devices are
  also not permitted!
• Simulation ActivityCheck your partner!

20
Share one thing to remember about
implementingScribe.
21
Other

• Delete spelling, paragraphing, punctuation
• Indicate on top of essay test booklet
• This is not permitted on ELA 3-8
• Refocusing prompts
• Others as indicated on individual IEPs
• Ask for any necessary clarification!

22
Proctors may not

• Reword or simplify test questions
• Give visual cues
• Use voice inflections that give clues to the
  answers
• Offer ideas to write responses
• Share approval or disapproval of students ideas
  for written responses
• Give answers!
• Leave student unattended (bathroom breaks, etc.)

23
Refusal of Accommodations/Refusal to Test

• If a student refuses his accommodations, the
  proctor will consult with an administrator to
  obtain a Refusal of Accommodations form.
  Student, proctor, administrator must all sign
  off and turn in form with students completed
  testing materials.
• If a student refuses to test entirely, the
  proctor must consult with an administrator. If
  the decision is made to discontinue testing, the
  AP will supply a Refusal to Test form to be
  filled out and signed by student, proctor, AP.
  This form must be turned in with students
  testing materials.

24
Proctors What do YOU need to know for
administering tests?

• Know the Testing Procedures
• Know test dates in advance
• Tests will be distributed to teachers on
  specified dates
• Know test format directions
• Know how to record students test accommodations
  on bubble sheets (directions in green teacher
  folder)
• Hand in completed materials sign off at
  proctoring station (every proctor!!!)
• Refusal of test accommodations refusal to test
  available from APs (hand signed forms in at
  proctoring station w/ testing materials). Please
  consult with AP to make decision to discontinue
  testing.

25
Proctors What do YOU need to know contd?

• Know the Student
• Know each student you will proctor in advance of
  your assignment.
• Know the exact wording on the IEP of the student
  you will proctor.
• Know exactly what you are expected to do as a
  proctor.
• Ask for clarification from instructional
  specialist or administrator.
• Be flexible!

26
2009 Testing Calendar

• ELA 3-5 Jan. 12-16, 2009
• ELA 6-8 Jan. 20-23, 2009
• Math 3-5 Mar. 2-6, 2009
• Math 6-8 Mar. 9-13
• Science grades 4 8 during April/May
• Social Studies grade 8 June 2 3, 2009

27
Helpful Web Links

• Previous tests for practice (ELA, math, science,
  S.S.)
• http//www.nysedregents.org/testing/eleminttests.h
  tml
• ELA 2009 School Administrators Manual
• http//www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/sam/ela-sam-09.pdf
• Testing accommodations info
• http//www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/
  policy/testaccess/manual506.pdf
• ELA 2009 Teacher Directions Grades 3-5
• http//www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/elaei/ela-td-3-5.pdf
  
• ELA 2009 Teacher Directions Grades 6-8
• http//www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/elaei/ela-td-6-8.pdf
  

28
Questions?