Administering Accessibility Features
and Accommodations on the PARCC
Computer-Based Field Test (CBT)
Purpose
• The purpose of this PPT is to prepare test administrators to
administer accessibility features and accommodations on the
computer-based Field Test (FT).
– Review available Field Test accessibility features and accommodations
and administration guidance
– Share resources for additional accessibility training, including trainings
on policy, protocol, and operational implementation guidance
• For Registration Information & Technical Guidance for CBT, click HERE
• For guidance on Selecting and Monitoring accommodations; and
Policies for Operational Administration, click HERE.
PARCC Comprehensive
Accessibility Policies
Features for All
Students
Accessibility
Features*
Identified in advance
Accommodations
**
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* Available to all participating students
**For students with disabilities, English
learners, and English learners with
disabilities
Accessibility Features on FT
for All Students
• Tool, support, scaffold, or preference that is built into the
assessment system that can be used by any student.
• Universal design features expected to benefit a variety of
students and are available to all students.
• Provided onscreen, stored in a toolbar, or are accessible
through a menu or control panel, as needed.
• During the assessment, students can choose which accessibility
features they need for specific items. Examples include: audio
amplification, highlighting, pop-up glossary, etc.
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Accessibility Features on FT
Identified in Advance
• Available to all students (i.e., not limited to students with IEPs, 504 Plans,
or English learners), but will be selected and “turned on” by school-based
educators prior to the assessment.
• Although school-based educators will enable the accessibility features,
the student will decide whether or not to use it. These accessibility
features will be readily available on the computer-delivered testing
platform.
• PARCC has developed an optional PARCC Field Test Accessibility Features
and Accommodation Documentation Form. This can be used to assist in
registering on PearsonAccess.
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If this form is used, review with test administrators
prior to field testing!
Accommodations for Students with
Disabilities and English Learners
Adjustments to the test setting, test format, or test administration
procedures that provide equitable access for students with
disabilities, students who are English learners, and students with
disabilities who are also English learners.
Accommodations for the PARCC assessments include:
– Accommodations for SWD
o Presentation Accommodations
o Response Accommodations
o Timing and Scheduling Accommodations
– Accommodations for ELs
– Unique Accommodations
– Emergency Accommodations
Administrative Considerations for All
Students
School based teams (including IEP, 504 plan or EL teams as
appropriate) may determine if any student requires any of the
following test administration considerations, regardless of the
student’s status as a student with a disability or English learner:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Small group testing
Frequent breaks
Time of day
Separate or alternate location
Specified area or seating
Adaptive and specialized equipment, furniture, or lighting
Please note: IEP, 504 and EL teams may still wish to document this in a student’s
IEP, 504 plan, or EL plan based on individual needs.
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Let’s Review the Accessibility Features and
Accommodations that are Available for the
PARCC Computer-Based Field Test.
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Accessibility Features Available for the
Computer-Based Field Test (CBT)
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Accessibility Features for All Students
Available for the Field Test
Accessibility Features for All Students
Computer Administration
Paper Administration
Audio Amplification
Auditory Aids
Blank Paper
Blank Paper
Eliminate Answer Choices
Visual Aids/Organizers
Flag Items for Review
Visual Aids/Organizers
General Administration Directions Clarified
General Administration Directions Clarified
General Administration Directions Read Aloud General Administration Directions Read Aloud
and Repeated
and Repeated
Highlighter Tool
External Highlighter
Headphones or Noise Buffers
Auditory Aids
Line Reader
Visual Aids/Organizers
Magnification/Enlargement Device
Magnification/Enlargement Device
Screen Enlargement Tool
Large Print Test
Pop-Up Glossary
Glossary in footnotes
Redirect Student to Test
Redirect Student to Test
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Writing Tools
Spell Checker
CBT Accessibility Features for All
Students Available for the Field Test
Accessibility Features for All
Students
Administration Instructions
Audio Amplification
Student may adjust audio on their device.
Blank Paper
Test Administrator provides to students.
Eliminate Answer Choices
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform.
Flag Items for Review
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform.
General Administration Directions
Test Administrator clarifies directions for students who raise
Clarified
their hands and ask.
General Administration Directions Read Test Administrator reads directions aloud for all students,
Aloud and Repeated
and repeats only to student who raise their hands and ask.
Highlighter Tool
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Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform.
CBT Accessibility Features for All
Students Available for the Field Test
Accessibility Features for All
Students
Administration Instructions
Headphones or Noise Buffers
Provided by Test Administrator (TA). If using for text-to-speech,
TA will need to ensure headphones are plugged in.
Line Reader
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform.
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform.
Students may choose to use this tool embedded into the
platform on pre-selected words.
Test Administrator redirects individual students based on need.
Magnification/Enlargement Device
Pop-Up Glossary
Redirect Student to Test
Spell Checker
Writing Tools
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Students may choose to bring their own external device.
Device cannot have embedded grammar check, connect to the
internet, or save information.
On writing tasks, students may choose to use writing tools
(bold, italic, underline, etc.).
Accessibility Features & Accommodation for the
Computer-Based Field Test Identified in Advance in a
Special Registration “Session” and Unique Form
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CBT Accessibility Features &
Accommodation Available via a Special
Registration “Session”
There are three Accessibility Features and one Accommodation that are only
available via computer-based administration on unique forms in special
registration “sessions” that need to be identified in advance.
• Answer Masking
• Background/Font Color (Color Contrast)
• Text-to-Speech for the Mathematics Assessments
• Text-to-Speech for English Language Arts/Literacy
If a student is pre-selected for one of these features, they cannot also be
selected for another at the same time.
• Example: A student taking the grade 3 ELA/literacy EOY cannot have both
answer masking and background/font color at the same time. Only ONE can
be selected.
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CBT Accessibility Features Identified in
Advance in a Special Registration “Session”
and Unique Form
SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” - UNIQUE FORM AVAILABLE
Accessibility
Features
Answer Masking
CBT Grades/Content Available
Administration
EOY Only
ELA: Grades 3, 5, 8, 11
Math: Grades 4, 7, Algebra I and Geometry
Identified ahead via selection of
special form. Student may choose to
use this pre-selected tool on an itemby-item basis.
PBA and EOY
ELA: Grades 3, 5, 8, 11
Math: Grades 4, 7, Algebra I and Geometry
Background/Font
Color (Color Contrast) *Five color options are available; refer to Field
Identified ahead via selection of
special form. Applies to the entire
assessment.
Test Accessibility Features and Accommodations
Overview or Manual for color options.
Text-to-Speech for the
Mathematics
Assessments
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PBA/EOY
Grades 4, 7, Algebra I
(Human reader and human interpreter available
for all grades, if needed.)
Identified ahead via selection of
special form. Student may choose to
click a “text-to-speech” button to hear
pieces of items/tasks/passages read
aloud via text-to-speech technology
on an item-by-item basis.
CBT Accessibility Features – No Special
Session (externally provided)
NOT EMBEDDED IN PLATFORM FOR THE FOLLOWING GRADES/CONTENT
Accessibility
Features
Answer Masking
Background/Font
Color (Color
Contrast)
CBT Grades/Content NOT
Available
All PBA in ELA & Mathematics
EOY Only
-ELA: Grades 4, 6, 7, 9, 10
-Math: Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II,
Integrated I, II, III
PBA and EOY
-ELA: Grades 4, 6, 7, 9, 10
-Math: Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II,
Integrated I, II, III
PBA/EOY
Text-to-Speech for
-Grades 3, 5, 6, 8, Algebra II,
the Mathematics
Geometry,
Assessments
Integrated I, II, III
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Administration
Students may choose to use external masking
cards (e.g. blank paper, straight edge).
Colored overlays may be used by the student
as need. Font color cannot be changed.
Test administrator will use a password to pull
up the CBT on a teacher device and read aloud
(or sign) the assessment to pre-selected
students according to the Protocol and Math
Audio Guidelines on PARCConline.org.
Students in each grade/content area who need
a human reader will take the same form so
small group administration can occur.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (SWD)
Identified in Advance via an IEP or 504 Plan and
Available for the Computer-Based Field Test
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Assistive Technology
• Some students with disabilities (with IEPs or 504 plans) may need to bring
assistive technology to equitably access the PARCC Field Test.
• For current guidance on assistive technology for the PARCC Field Test, please
refer to the posted guidelines on PARCConline.org.
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CBT Presentation Accommodation Identified in
Advance in a Special Registration “Session” and
Unique Form (or externally provided)
SPECIAL REGISTRATION “SESSION” AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN GRADES ONLY
Accommodation
Availability
Special CBT Form:
-PBA/EOY
-ELA: Grades 5, 8,
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Administration
Identified ahead via selection of special form. Student may choose to
click a “text-to-speech” button to hear the ELA/literacy assessment
read aloud via text-to-speech technology.
Human reader and human interpreter available for all grades, if
needed.
Text-to-Speech for
ELA/Literacy
Assessment**
(See GUIDANCE p.27-29)
No CBT Form:
-PBA/EOY:
-ELA: Grades 3, 4,
6, 7, 9, 10
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Test administrator will use a password to pull up the CBT on a teacher
device and read aloud (or sign) the assessment to pre-selected
students according to the Protocol and ELA Audio Guidelines.
Students in each grade/content area who need a human reader will
take the same test so small group administration can occur.
CBT Response Accommodations for
SWD (Identified during Registration)
Accommodation
Availability
Calculation Device and
Mathematics Tools ** All Grades
(See GUIDANCE p.30)
Speech-to-Text
(external device)**
(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)
All Grades
and Content
Areas
Administration
Students use calculator embedded in the platform, or may bring an
external calculation device (e.g., abacus, talking calculator, large
button calculator) as determined by IEP team.
Student must be tested individually. Test administrator provides a
microphone (may be embedded in device) and headphones. Student
may choose to speak their written responses and responses will be
captured via speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their
responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input responses
into TestNav according to the posted Scribe Guidelines.
If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must be tested
individually. Student may sign responses to an interpreter. Test
administrator scribes student responses according to the Scribe
Guidelines.
Word Prediction**
(See GUIDANCE p.33)
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All Grades
Students may bring external word prediction devices for the
ELA/literacy Performance-Based Assessment. Devices cannot
include grammar check, connect to the internet, or save information.
CBT Timing & Scheduling Accommodations for
SWD (Identified during Registration)
Accommodation
Availability
Extended Time
(See GUIDANCE p.34) All Grades
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Administration
Student gets extended time accommodation and may have
until the end of the school day to complete a test session. It
is recommended to test students with extended time
accommodations in a separate setting to minimize
distractions for all students, and to schedule these students
for testing in the morning so their testing time can be
extended until the end of the school day, if needed.
Accommodations for English Learners (EL)
Identified in Advance and
Available for the Computer-Based Field Test
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CBT Accommodations for English Learners
(Identified during Registration)
Accommodation
Extended Time
General
Administration
Directions Clarified
Native Language
General
Administration
Directions Read Aloud
and Repeated Native
Language
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Availability
Administration
All Grades/Content Areas
Student gets extended time accommodation and
may have until the end of the school day to
complete a test session. It is recommended to test
students with extended time accommodations in a
separate setting to minimize distractions for all
students, and to schedule these students for testing
in the morning so their testing time can be extended
until the end of the school day, if needed.
Test Administrator clarifies directions in student’s
native language, as requested by student.
All Grades/Content Areas
Test Administrator reads directions aloud and
repeats in student’s native language, as requested
by student.
All Grades/Content Areas
CBT Accommodations for English Learners
(Identified during Registration)
Accommodation
Speech-to-Text
Responses Dictated in
English for the
Mathematics
assessments in English
Availability
All Grades in Mathematics
Administration
Student must be tested individually. Test administrator
provides a microphone (may be embedded in device)
and headphones. Student may choose to speak their
written responses and responses will be captured via
speech-to-text technology. Students may edit their
responses outputted. Human scribes will need to input
responses into TestNav according to the posted Scribe
Guidelines.
(See GUIDANCE p.31-32)
If a human scribe/interpreter is needed, student must
be tested individually. Test administrator scribes
student responses according to the Scribe Guidelines.
Word-to-Word
Dictionary
(English/Native
Language)
Students may bring external published word-to-word
English/native language dictionary. Dictionary may not
include definitions or pictures. If there is no published
word-to-word dictionary available, a unique request for
an electronic word-to-word dictionary can be made.
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All Grades/Content Areas
Unique and Emergency Accommodations and
Student Refusal Form
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Unique Accommodations
• For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests must be submitted
to the state at least four weeks prior to testing.
• Refer to Appendix F: Unique Accommodation Request Form
• For the Field Test, unique accommodations requests will be approved
by the PARCC Accessibility, Accommodations, and Fairness Operational
Working Group.
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Emergency Accommodation
• An emergency accommodation is appropriate in cases where a student needs a
new accommodation immediately prior to the assessment due to unforeseen
circumstances.
– Cases could include students who have a recently-fractured limb (e.g., arm, wrist, or
shoulder); whose only pair of eyeglasses has broken; or a student returning from a
serious or prolonged illness or injury.
• If prior to or during testing, the school principal (or principal’s designee)
determines that a student requires an emergency accommodation, an
emergency accommodation form must be completed and submitted to the
state.
• Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.
•
Refer to Appendix G: Use of an Emergency Accommodation on a PARCC Assessment
Student Accommodation Refusal
• If a student refuses an accommodation listed in his or her IEP, 504 Plan, or EL
plan (if used by your state), the school should document in writing that the
student refused the accommodation, and the accommodation must be
offered and remain available to the student during testing.
• School test coordinators should work with test administrators to determine if
anyone else should be informed when a student refuses an accommodation
documented in an IEP, 504 Plan or if available an EL plan (if used by your
state).
• Please refer to your state point of contact for additional details.
• Refer to Appendix H: Student Accommodation Refusal Form
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Additional Resources for
PARCC Accessibility and Accommodations
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Other Accessibility Resources
• PARCC Field Test Tutorials – w/TestNav 8 accessibility features training
(CLICK HERE)
• PARCC Sample Items (CLICK HERE)
• PARCC Approved Accessibility Policy Manual & Implementation Guidance
• PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual
• Overview website page, including implementation appendices A-K
• Translation Policy Memo
• Field Test Training Module on “Accessibility Features and Accommodations
with Computer-Based Testing” (CLICK HERE)
• Field Test Coordinator Manuals & Field Test Administrator Manuals for CBT
and PBT (CLICK HERE)
PARCC Support Contact Information
Call Toll free: 1-888-493-9888 (7:00 am – 9:00 pm EST, Mon. –Fri.)
Email: PARCC@support.pearson.com
Online Support and Resources: http://PARCC.Pearson.com/Support
Contact PARCC Support for assistance with:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Thank you for your help in
coordinating the PARCC Field Test!
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