PARCC - Access for All
Katherine Glorioso Brennan
Supervisor of District Testing
Accessibility Features
for All Students
• Universal Design – Products and environments that are
usable by all students to the greatest extent possible
without the need for adaptations or specialized design.
• Tools provided through PARCC’s computer-based
assessment delivery system for all students to optimize
their performance on the assessments.
• A direct link between the tools students use in daily
instruction and classroom assessment, to state-wide
assessment.
• Tools that were once provided only as accommodations
for students with disabilities and English learners.
Accessibility Features for ALL
Students
Student can turn on/off themselves.
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Audio Amplification
Blank Paper
Eliminate Answer Choices
Flag Items for Review
General Administration Directions Clarified
General Administration Directions Read Aloud
and Repeated (by test administrator)
Highlight Tool
Headphones
Line Reader Tool
Magnification/Enlargement Device
NotePad
Pop-Up Glossary
Redirect Student to Test
Spell Checker
Writing Tools
Accessibility Features for
ALL Students
Any student may require one or more of the following test administration
considerations, regardless of the student’s status as a student with a
disability or who is an English learner.
These accessibility features must be pre-identified and there must be
documentation of regular use in the classroom.
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Answer Masking
General Masking
Background/Font Color Contrast
Text to speech for Mathematics assessments
Human Reader/Signer for Mathematics assessments
Small group testing
Frequent breaks
Time of day
Separate or alternate location
Specified area or seating
Adaptive and specialized equipment or furniture ex: slant board, specialized
chair
Descriptions for Accessibility
Features that must be identified
in advance
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Answer Masking
– The student electronically “covers” answer options, as needed.
General Masking
– The student creates a custom “mask” to electronically cover portions of
test items, including passages, as needed.
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Text to Speech for the Mathematics Assessment
– Text is read aloud to the student using embedded text-to-speech
software.
– Student must be tested in a separate setting if unable to wear
headphones.
– May be distracting/not necessarily an advantage.
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Human Reader/Signer for Mathematics assessments
– Text is read aloud/signed to the student.
– Student must be tested in a separate setting if unable to wear
headphones.
– May be distracting/not necessarily an advantage