SAL Training 2014

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
•
Accessibility Features
•
Accommodations
6.
7.

CMAS
PARCC
Overview
Denver Public Schools has implemented the Colorado Academic and
Common Core State Standards to ensure students are prepared for college and career in the 21st century.
The new standards are clear and consistent expectations of what all students need to learn at every grade level—serving as a roadmap to high-quality education.
As part of this transition, there are new assessments aligned to these new standards. The assessments are known as CMAS (Colorado
Measures of Academic Success).
•
Assessments in Science, Social Studies, Math and English Language
Arts/Literacy.
•
Assessments are completed online

CMAS
Science
Social Studies
Overview
New state science and social studies assessments measuring the
Colorado Academic Standards were administered online in Colorado for the first time in the Spring of 2014.
•
Colorado-developed assessments
Administered to the following grades in 2014-15:
•
Science: 5 th , 8 th , and 12 th
•
Social Studies: 4 th , 7 th , and 12 th

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L
Math
Overview
CMAS PARCC replaces TCAP in Reading, Writing and Math
•
Developed by PARCC (Partnership for Readiness of College & Career)
•
Reading/Writing are now combined into English Language Arts/Literacy assessments, referred to as ELA/L.
•
Grades 3-11
CMAS PARCC ELA/L & Math occurs in 2 parts:
•
Part I: Performance Based Assessment (PBA)
•
March 9-March 27
•
Part II: End of Year Assessment (EOY)
•
April 27-May 22
The results of Part I & Part II will be combined to produce a student’s total assessment score.

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Name
CMAS Science &
Social Studies
CMAS PARCC: PBA
(Performance Based
Assessment)
CMAS Science &
Social Studies
CMAS PARCC: EOY
(End of Year
Assessment)
Content
Science & Social
Studies
ELA/L & Math
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L & Math
Content-Specific:
• CMAS Science &Social Studies
• CMAS PARCC ELA/L & Math
Grade
12 th
3 rd – 11 th
4 th , 7 th
5 th , 8 th
3 rd – 11 th
Testing Window
Nov. 3-21, 2014
Mar. 9-27, 2015
Apr. 14-May 1, 2015
Apr. 27-May 22, 2015

CMAS
PARCC
POLICY

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Posted on www.
onlineassesment.
dpsk12.org
Colorado Instructional Accommodations Manual http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/Accommodations
CMAS Accommodations Supplement http://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/cmasaccoms
PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual* http://parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/PARCCAccessibilityFeaturesandAccommodationsManu alNovember2013.pdf
*an updated manual will be published in Nov.2014
Accessibility Manual for the Dynamic Learning Maps™ Alternate Assessment 2014-15 http://dynamiclearningmaps.org/sites/default/files/accessiblity_manual.pdf
Colorado Alternate Assessment Examiner’s Manual http://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/2014coaltexamman

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math

CMAS PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
•
Accommodations are practices and procedures that provide equitable access during instruction and assessment for students who have a documented need, including students with a disability.
•
Accommodations are intended to remove barriers that may exist due to a student’s disability or level of English proficiency.
•
Accommodations must be listed in the student’s approved IEP or 504
Plan. However, there are new “Accessibility Features” available to all that do not require documentation.
Policy

CMAS PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Policy
1.
Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education
Program (IEP);
2.
Students with a Section 504 plan who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity;
3.
Students who are English learners; and
4.
Students who are English learners and with disabilities who have an IEP or 504 plan. These students are eligible for both accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners.

Colorado
Alternate
Assessment
Participation
POLICY
It is the existence of the significant cognitive disability, regardless of special education eligibility category, that allows the IEP Team to consider the option of alternate standards and assessment.
Only a small number of students who have a significant cognitive disability meet the participation guidelines to receive instruction based on the EEOs and take alternate district/state assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards.

CMAS CoAlt:
Science
Social Studies
DLM :
ELA/L
Math
ARE Contact:
Karen Lutz
CMAS Science & Social Studies
Alternate Assessment (CoAlt):
• Testing Windows: April 13-
May 1
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) is the ELA/Math Alternate
Assessment:
• Testing Window: April 13-
May 15 http://testing.dpsk12.org/resources/csapa/EligibilityCriteriaWorksheet_AlternateAssessment-1.pdf

CMAS PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Policy
In use at least 90 days prior to testing
•
Used regularly and with fidelity during classroom instruction
Based on a documented educational need
•
Individual, not based on program or teaching style
Documented in an IEP/504 plan and/or an ELL student within the 3 year window of continuous enrollment
•
Team includes educators, parents and student
•
Parent signatures

CMAS PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Policy
New Student to the District:
•
Contact the student’s former school for all relevant documentation (IEP,504,or
ELP)
•
If no documentation can be obtained, consult the student and parent to discuss any accommodations that have been provided over the past three months
•
Student may have access to accessibility features or accommodations listed in their IEP, 504 plan or ELL plan
Unforeseeable Circumstances:
•
If a student suffers from an unforeseeable (not predicted or scheduled) circumstance less than three months prior to the start of testing and requires an accommodation to access the state test, he/she may be provided with it
•
Example: Student with a concussion needs breaks

CMAS PARCC

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Accessibility Features for ALL
students: Embedded features available within the test itself
Accessibility Features for SOME
students: Embedded features that must be requested ahead of time.
Additional embedded and nonembedded accommodations available to students consistent with their IEP, 504, or English
Learner plans

All students have access to these features

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Accessibility Features for ALL
students: Embedded features available within the test itself
Accessibility Features for SOME students: Embedded features that must be requested ahead of time.
Additional embedded and nonembedded accommodations available to students consistent with their IEP, 504, or English
Learner plans

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
•







•
•


Navigation forward, back flag for review
Highlighter
•
•
 Blank Paper
Up to 2 sheets per section
Must be treated as secure test materials
CMAS PARCC ONLY


Line Reader
Answer Masking
Enlargement

Magnifier, Zoom

Ruler
Calculator
Notepad may be available

Periodic Table

Eliminate answer choices

Teacher Read Directions


Audio Amplification
Headphones / Noise buffers
Redirect Students to Test
Writing Tools
Keyboard shortcut keys
Extended Time
Setting Considerations
These tools are embedded in
TestNav8 so students can access them at any time during the test
(content specific)

CMAS
PARCC
Science
SS
ELA/L
Math
Support
Audio Amplification
Description
The student raises or lowers the volume control, as needed, using headphones. Student must be tested in a separate setting if unable to wear headphones
Background/Font Color* The student changes the onscreen background and/or font color based on need or preference.
Blank Paper (provided by test administrator)
The student may be provided with one blank sheet of paper on which to plan or organize item responses. An additional sheet may be offered if the student raises his/her hand during testing.
Eliminate Answer Choices The student “crosses out” possible answer choices (for multiple choice items only).
Flag Items for Review The student highlights items to review later.
General Administration
Directions Clarified (by test administrator)
The test administrator repeats general administration instructions only. No part of the test may be clarified, nor may any assistance be provided to the student during testing.

CMAS
PARCC
Science
SS
ELA/L
Math
Support
General Administrations Read
Aloud and Repeated as Needed
(by test administrator)
General Masking*
Description
The student clicks a button to read aloud or repeat instructions.
Student must be tested in separate setting, if unable to wear headphones.
The student creates a custom “mask” to electronically cover portions of the test items, including passages, as needed
Text Highlighter Tool
Headphones or Noise Buffers The student uses headphones or noise buffers to minimize distractions, access embedded text-to-speech, or filter external noise during testing (in addition to required headphone for use of English Language Arts/Literacy assessment).
Line Reader Tool
The student highlights text as needed to recall and/or emphasize.
The students use onscreen tool to assist in reading by raising and lowering the tool for each line of text onscreen.
Magnification/Enlargement
Device
The student enlarges text and graphics onscreen, up to 400%
(while preserving clarity, contrast, and color).

CMAS
PARCC
Science
SS
ELA/L
Math
Features +
Descriptions
Support Description
Pop-Up Glossary
Redirect Student to the
Test (by test administrator)
Writing Tools
The student is able to view definitions of pre-selected, construct-irrelevant words by selecting a hyperlink onscreen via a pop-up text box.
The test administrator redirects the student’s attention to the test without coaching or assisting the student in any way.
The student uses writing process tools for written responses, including cut and paste, copy, underline, bold, and insert bullets.

CMAS & PARCC ePAT Practice Tests

CMAS
Science
Social
Studies
•
Expose students and staff to the content and format of the test
•
Familiarize students with online test engine,
TestNav 8, and embedded supports
•
Available on
PearsonAccess.com
www.pearsonaccess.com/co
 click on “ePAT”

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L
Math
•
Expose students and staff to the content and format of the test
•
Familiarize students with online test engine and embedded supports
•
Available through
PARCC http://practice.parcc.t
estnav.com/#
 click on Practice
Tests

Assigned to Individual Students

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Accessibility Features for ALL students: Embedded features available within the test itself
Accessibility Features for SOME
students: Embedded features that must be requested ahead of time.
Additional embedded and nonembedded accommodations available to students consistent with their IEP, 504, or English
Learner plans

CMAS
PARCC
Science
SS
ELA/L
Math
•
Embedded within
TestNav8 are accessibility features available to a student who needs it to access
the test.
•
These are unique test forms that are assigned to a student prior to
testing.
Selected by Form (CBT)
Text-to-Speech
Spanish Audio
Color Contrast
Text-to-Speech with color contrast
Spanish Audio with color contrast
Oral Script
TTS is the only accessibility feature that is embedded; all others embedded features are accommodations

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
Not ELA/L
Text-to-Speech takes the place of an oral script read by the Test
Administrator for most students who under TCAP relied on oral scripts.
It is an accessibility feature that does not require an IEP or 504 for
Science, Social Studies and Math:
•
Text-to-Speech in English is available to students who receive audio/oral presentation of text during instruction and classroom-based assessment.
•
Text-to-Speech in Spanish is available to students who receive instruction in
Spanish and meet the continuous enrollment guidelines of 3 years or less.
ELA/L: Text-to-Speech is considered an accommodations and is not available without an IEP or 504….More to come in upcoming slides

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
NOT ELA/L
While Text-to-Speech (TTS) is available to all students, it may not be appropriate for all students.
•
Student should be using similar access strategies during instruction.
•
Generally speaking, students who used an Oral Script on TCAP should be considered for Text-to-Speech on computer based assessments
•
It is strongly encouraged that students using text-to-speech as an accessibility feature access it in the ePAT environment to ensure they are familiar with it, and that they will use it.

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
Issues to consider before assigning TTS:
1.
Training: Students must know how to use it before testing
2.
Security: There is only one form for text-to-speech
3.
Network Performance: File sizes for items with TTS are 4-10 times larger than regular item files. Network and computer performance estimates are based on the standard file size
*Students using TTS in a group setting must use headphones
Not ELA/L

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
Not ELA/L

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Accessibility Features for ALL students: Embedded features available within the test itself
Accessibility Features for SOME students: Embedded features that must be requested ahead of time.
Additional embedded and nonembedded accommodations available to students consistent with their IEP, 504, or English
Learner plans

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
•
Accommodations must be based on an individual student’s academic need documented in the student’s approved IEP, 504, or
ELP.
•
Accommodations are available for computer-based and paper-based administration.

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
CMAS
Accommodations
Guide – a 1-page overview of all available accommodations
Available at onlineassessment.
dpsk12.org

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
CMAS Accommodations
Supplement is available on the CDE Website: http://cde.state.co.us/assessmen t/cmasaccoms
PARCC Accessibility
Features and
Accommodation Manual is available on the PARCC website: http://parcconline.org/sites/parc c/files/PARCCAccessibilityFeatur esandAccommodationsManualN ovember2013.pdf
Both manuals are also posted on: www.onlineassessment.dpsk12.
org

PRESENTATION
English Oral Script
Spanish Audio
Spanish Oral Script*
Color Contrast
External cover overlays
Word to Word Dictionary
Assistive Technology**
CMAS ACCOMMODATIONS (CBT)
RESPONSE SETTING
Assistive Technology** Small Group
Speech to Text
Word Prediction
Written Responses in Spanish
Scribe – English, Other
Speech to Text
Individual
Noise Buffers
TIMING
Extended Time
Time of Day
Multiple Breaks
*It is recommended that Oral Script for Social Studies is provided 1:1
**Compatibility must be established for all AT devices: www.pearsononlinetesting.com/at

PRESENTATION
CMAS ACCOMMODATIONS (PBT)
RESPONSE SETTING
Braille w/ tactile graphics Assistive Technology devices (word prediction
Large Print (CBT has zoom & magnifier) Speech to Text
Small Group
Individual
External cover overlays Scribe – English, Other (also CBT) Noise Buffers
Braille note-taker (same as CBT)
Time of Day
Multiple Breaks
(same as CBT) English oral script (TTS is CBT)
• On-site ASL presentation
• On-site translation
Spanish Oral Script (also CBT)
TIMING
Extended Time
Word to Word Dictionary
*It is recommended that Oral Script for Social Studies is provided 1:1
**Compatibility must be established for all AT devices: www.pearsononlinetesting.com/at

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
1.
The paper-based versions of the CMAS assessments are considered accommodated forms available for a small number of students with disabilities and/or English learners.
Use of the paper-based assessments is only available to a student with specific needs or conditions.
•
A student is unable to use a computer due to the impact of his or her disability.
•
A student with a disability who cannot participate in the online assessment due to a healthrelated disability, neurological disorder, or other complex disability, and/or cannot meet the demands of a computer-based test administration;
• student with an emotional, behavioral, or other disability who is unable to maintain sufficient concentration to participate in a computer-based test administration, even with test accommodations;
•
The assistive technology required by the student is not compatible with the testing platform.
•
Writes responses in a language other than English or Spanish

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
Embedded color contrast
•
Check with vision specialist/SPED team
•
Must indicate color contrast form prior to testing
•
When the color contrast setting is selected only the background and text are adjusted
•
Graphics are presented in full color on a white background
External color overlays
•
May be used on paper or computer

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
Oral Presentation allows students to hear all test questions, passages/sources, and answer choices aloud.
•
The online version of oral presentation is called Text-To-Speech (computer reader).
•
The paper/pencil version of oral presentation is called Oral Script (human reader).
Availability is dependent on the content being tested:
•
Text-To-Speech is an accessibility feature available for Math, Science and Social Studies.
•
Oral Script is an accommodation available for Math, Science and Social Studies
•
Oral Presentation/Text-To-Speech is not an available accommodation for ELA/L
(reading/writing) except in unique situations
This is a change from TCAP, which allowed oral presentation for writing, but not reading.

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L ONLY
Appendix D is posted to onlineassessment.dpsk
12.org
Only students with a unique accommodation will receive a
Text-to-Speech accommodation on the ELA/L assessment.
Refer to Appendix D for guidelines on who can receive this accommodation.
Complete the form in Appendix
D to request an Oral
Presentation accommodation on
ELA/L. Scan and email to ARE at onlineassess@dpsk12.org
by December 15 th !

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L ONLY
Appendix D is posted to onlineassessment.dpsk
12.org
Colorado guidance/clarification:

Students must be at the basal/foundational reading level
AND

Students must receive printed instructional materials fro all subjects in an audio format the majority of instructional time.
Basal/foundational readers are:
•
At the beginning stages of sound/symbol relationship,
•
Able to decode consonant-vowel-consonant words, as well as some highfrequency words.

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L ONLY
For students using an Oral Presentation on the ELA assessment, a notation will be provided on all confidential score reports to the school and to parents stating that the student was given a reading access accommodation on the PARCC ELA/Literacy assessment and therefore, no claims should be inferred regarding the student’s ability
to demonstrate foundational reading skills (i.e., decoding and fluency).

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Assistive technology includes but is not limited to:
•
Computers
•
Keyboards
•
Communication devices
•
Adaptive computer input/output devices
Check for compatibility: www.pearsononlinetesting.com/at
Speech – to – Text
•
Separate Machine
•
Printed and transcribed into test
Word Prediction
•
Separate Machine
•
Printed and transcribed into test

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Additional considerations for test security must be applied when students are using assistive technology, including speech-to-text and word prediction software.
•
Students must be seated in such a manner that they cannot see other students’ screens.
•
Students must not retrieve or access work from another student.
•
Students must not be able to access additional programs or the
Internet while in the testing environment.
•
Student must not be able to access any previously saved data while in the testing environment.
•
Extra time may not be given for “lost” work.

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
•
Students may not have access to assistive technology devices that contain secure materials until all secure materials have been removed from the device.
•
Devices that still contain secure materials must be secured with testing materials.
•
Answers must be transcribed for scoring.

CMAS PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
Scribing allows students to give their test responses to a test administrator who writes or types the responses directly onto the actual assessment for the student.
Students receiving the scribe accommodation may respond to assessment items either:
• verbally
• using a speech-to-text device or other augmentative/assistive communication device (e.g., picture/word board)
• signing (e.g., American Sign Language, signed English, Cued Speech)
Refer to Appendix C of the PARCC Accommodations Manual: Protocol for the Use of the Scribe Accommodation - Know the Protocol!

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
•
Additional Time is an accessibility feature available for ALL students
•
Length of additional time will vary by content and test section!
•
Extended Time (time beyond additional time) is for students with a noted accommodation for extended time.
 Refer to Appendix E in the PARCC Accommodations Manual for guidance on selecting and administering the ET Accommodation.

CMAS
Science
Social Studies
For CMAS Science & Social Studies, all students may access the additional time allowed in the timing structure of a test section
•
Time + Additional Time = Extended Time
For students with an IEP/504 plan or ELL
•
Follow time indicated in plan
•
Time and a half is presumed if it is not specifically listed
•
Time + Additional Time + 10 minutes = Time and a Half

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L
Math
For CMAS PARCC, all students may access the additional time allowed in the timing structure of a test section
•
Time + Additional Time = Extended Time
For students with an IEP/504 plan or ELL
•
Time and a half is presumed if it is not specifically listed
•
If specified in plan for more than time and a half, extended time is considered one school day
PARCC just released the timing of all ELA/L & Math assessment: http://parcconline.org/update-session-times

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Small Group
Frequent Break
•
Does not stop the testing clock
•
May not access internet, text books, friends, etc.
Time of Day
•
Consider test security
Separate/Alternate Location
Specified Testing Area or Seating
Specialized Equipment or Furniture

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
If a student requires an emergency accommodation prior to or during testing, a student emergency accommodation form must be completed.
This will occur only in extremely rare circumstances where an IEP or
504 Plan is not available (ie. an unexpected injury, such as a broken arm or concussion).

You will find the form in Appendix G, posted to onlineassessment.dpsk12.org

SALs may wish to call the ARE Hotline if this occurs: (720) 423-
3736

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
ELA/L
Math
Formerly known as “Non-Standard” accommodations
Historically less than .01% of students
Examples from CDE are:
•
Record answers into a tape recorder and play back to type
•
Picture cues to stay on task
•
Magazines to tear when frustrated
•
Student given “Skittles” at specific intervals for time on task

Deadline to submit to CDE (via ARE) is DECEMBER 15, 2014

You will find the form in Appendix F, posted to onlineassessment.dpsk12.org

Scan/Email form to ARE at onlineassess@dpsk12.org

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
ELLs
When selecting accommodations for English learners, consider the student’s:
1. Level of English language proficiency (ELP) on the state ELP test o Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced
2. Literacy development in the native language o Native language literacy o Interrupted schooling/literacy background
3. Background factors that impact effective accommodations use o Grade/age o Affective filter (i.e., level of student anxiety/comfort with English) o Time in U. S. schools

CMAS
PARCC
Science
Social Studies
Math
ELA/L
ELLs
CMAS: Science and Social Studies assessment
•
Students who write in a language other than English or Spanish will need their answers translated and transcribed
CMAS PARCC Math assessment
•
Students who write in a language other than English or Spanish will need their answers translated and transcribed

CMAS
Science
Social Studies
ELLs
Students can receive:
•
Embedded Spanish Audio
•
Translated English Oral Script
English oral script for computer is used for:
•
On-site translations into other languages
•
On-site sign language presentation
Grouping Considerations (for Oral Script/Translated Oral Script)
•
Recommend group size of 3 or less for Science
•
Recommend group size of 1 for Social Studies

CMAS
PARCC
Math
ELLs
Math ONLY:
•
Spanish Translation – the test is available in Spanish
•
Text-to-Speech in English
•
Response: English or Spanish
•
ASL Video
•
Screen-reader compatible for 3 systems
•
Refreshable Braille

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L
ELLs
Accommodations available on ELA/L assessment:
•
Extended Time
•
Word-to-Word dictionaries (English/Native Language)
•
General Administration Directions Clarified in Student’s Native Language (by test administrator)*
•
General Administration Directions Read Aloud and Repeated as Needed in Student’s
Native Language (by test administrator)*
•
Scribe or Speech-to-Text: Responses Dictated for Mathematics Assessment in English
*General directions are provided in a downloadable PDF in 10 languages – for both Math & ELA/L
Note: PARCC will not provide paper oral scripts -- If a student requires an Oral or translated Oral Script,
SALs and Test Administrators must thoroughly review Appendices I & J, located in the PARCC accommodations manual, for detailed instructions on how to deliver an oral script accommodation.

CMAS
PARCC
ELA/L
ELLs
rd
th
Qualifications:
1.
The student has been enrolled in a Colorado public school less than three years starting in first grade.
2.
The student has been receiving native language instruction within the last year.
Reports in School Folders to help identify students:
•
Language of Assessment report (TNLI schools only)
•
Continuous Enrollment Report (all schools)
Spanish Literacy Assessment will replace the CMAS PARCC ELA/L portion of the state assessment. Only available for 3 rd and 4 th grades.
65

Next Steps

Train your staff CMAS PARCC Accommodations by Dec. 9 th

Have accommodation documentation in place by Dec. 9 th (90 days before testing)

Review the CMAS and PARCC Accommodations Manuals

Provide opportunities to get your students on the ePAT practice test items
January/Feb 2015:
1.
SAL training
2.
PearsonAccess training

**Make note of auxiliary devices needed for each accommodation!
• Ask your school’s Case
Manager, SPED staffing chair, interventionists and teachers to provide a list of students who need assessment accommodations, including
Text To Speech and Spanish
Audio.
• Use a spreadsheet (sample shown) to maintain a list of students until we are ready to order materials in early
Feb.2015

Caution
•
Requiring a student to be assessed on less content matter than other students because he has been taught less material
•
Reducing the scope of assessments so a student needs to complete only a limited number of problems or items
•
Modifying the complexity of assessments to make them easier
•
Giving hints, clues, or other coaching that directs the student to correct responses on assignments and tests
•
Adults defining vocabulary on the test or explaining test items
•
Allowing the student to complete an assessment of English language arts in a language other than English
•
Using dictionaries that provide definitions (rather than acceptable word-to-word dual-language dictionary)
69

Planning Tips for
Accommodations
 Review each student’s approved IEP or 504 Plan before 12/9
 Prepare a list showing each student and his/her specific accommodation(s)
 Indicate whether a specific test setting, Test Administrator or testing devices is required
 Train all Test Administrators (including substitutes) on accommodations and accessibility features
 Ensure each student knows how to use accessibility features and accommodations prior to testing

To Do List at your
School
Plan ahead to provide “accessibility features” for all students and accommodations for
ELL/LEP students and students with disabilities on test day by:


Document all accommodations properly in formal, written educational plans.
Be sure that documentation is specific (ex: content area, length of extended time, etc.).
 If a teacher is consistently providing a nondocumented individual accommodation for a student that would be appropriate for use on
CMAS, convene a formal meeting conducted by an educational team (includes parent) to evaluate and properly document the accommodation.
 Check all IEP, 504, and ELL plans NOW to make sure that all accommodations listed are currently in use in classroom instruction and assessments.
 If an accommodation is no longer needed or being used, revise the document and remove the accommodation. (IEP Additional Meeting – Case
Manager, Parent, General Ed Teacher; 504 –
Counselor, Parent).
 Involve parents and students in accommodations decisions and evaluate to make sure they are useful and purposeful.
 Remember that accommodations must be regularly used for at least 90 days prior to CMAS in order to be allowed.
 Provide time for students to practice accommodations in the online test environment
(ePAT).

Contact
Information
Contact the ARE Department for CMAS administration, training, and procedures questions:
•
CMAS PARCC website: www.onlineassessment.dpsk12.org
•
CMAS PARCC Email: onlineassess@dpsk12.org
•
ARE Hotline: (720) 423.3736
•
Coordinator: Kelly Gilmore
 Email: Kelly_Gilmore@dpsk12.org
 Phone: (720) 423-3827
#1: Contact your SPED network partner with questions about specific accommodations and eligibility.
#2: Contact ARE for assessment accommodation questions.

Online
Resources
Where do I locate my CMAS PARCC
Accommodations
Resources and
Training Materials?
www.
onlineassessment.
dpsk12.org