West Virginia TASC Accommodations
Training
Copyright © 2013 by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC. This publication or portions thereof may not be
reproduced and distributed. The TASC logo and Test Assessing Secondary Completion are
trademarks of McGraw-Hill Education. All other brands and product names found in this
publication are the property of their respective owners and are not associated with the
publisher of this publication.
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Agenda
• Test accommodations overview
• Types of Accommodations – Allowable resources
– Spanish version
– Alternate formats
– Special testing accommodations
• How to execute accommodations during testing – CBT
– PBT
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Accommodations and Resources Overview
• CTB/McGraw-Hill supports the intent of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and is committed to supporting access to the TASC for individuals with disabilities
• To this end, the TASC design includes accessible formats and allowable resources that are available to all examinees
• In addition, examinees with documented need may apply for special testing accommodations
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Types of Supports • Examinees have access to three types of support during TASC
testing: – Allowable resources:
• No formal approval is required for the use of these resources
• In some cases a prior notification form must be filled out and provided to the testing center at the time of scheduling so that the testing center can accommodate the request
– Special Testing Accommodations:
• The examinee must request the use of these accommodations and formal approval from the West Virginia State Test Administrator is required prior to test administration
• Special testing accommodations are intended to account for the effects of a person’s disability on assessment results
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Types of Supports (continued) – Alternate Formats:
• TASC is available in English and Spanish in alternate formats including Braille and large print editions
• To receive alternate formats, the examinee must provide prior notification to the testing center
• A Prior Notification Form is available for download on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Subject Areas
• TASC assesses five subject areas: – Language Arts: Reading
– Language Arts: Writing
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social Studies
Allowable Resources
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Allowable Resources • Allowable resources:
− Tools, procedures, and materials that an examinee may use to support test taking
− Allowable resources include items such as earplugs, magnifying glasses, or seat cushions
− No formal approval is required for the use of allowable resources
− In some cases a notification form must be filled out and provided to the testing center prior to testing so that the testing center can prepare to support the request
− A summary of allowable resources and the Prior Notification Form are available for download on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com
− TASC Examinees should submit the Prior Notification Form to the Test Coordinator at the TASC Testing Center at the time they schedule or register for testing
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Test Formats
• Three TASC forms are available each year in English and Spanish in CBT and PBT – Forms A, B and C
• Alternate formats: – Large print
– Braille (2 forms only each in English and Spanish)
– Audio
• Large print and Braille require prior notification
• Audio requires prior approval
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Allowable tools, procedures, and materials
Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Blank Place Markers Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of
the standard TASC administration, may be used as a place-marker
tool on the PBT.
Prior notification is not required.
Mark for Later Review is a navigation feature
that is part of the standard CBT
administration.
Prior notification is not required.
Cushion The TASC examinee may bring a seat cushion.
Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to
bring the cushion.
The TASC examinee may bring a seat cushion.
Prior notification is not required. The
examinee is required to bring the cushion.
Highlighter Highlighters are not permitted on the PBT. No markings may be
made on the PBT because the same test booklets are used for
multiple examinees.
A highlighter tool is available as part of
standard CBT administration.
Prior notification is not required.
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Scratch Paper Scratch paper is provided during testing by the testing center as
part of standard test administration. All scratch paper is collected
and destroyed at the conclusion of testing. Examinees may
request lined paper or graph paper.
Prior notification is not required.
Scratch paper is provided during testing by
the testing center as part of standard test
administration. All scratch paper is collected
and destroyed at the conclusion of testing.
Examinees may request lined paper or graph
paper.
Prior notification is not required.
Eraser Each TASC examinee is permitted to bring, or will be provided
with, sharpened number 2 pencils and an eraser as part of
standard test administration.
Prior notification is not required.
A digital eraser is available as part of standard
CBT administration.
Prior notification is not required.
Option Eliminator Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of the standard TASC administration, may serve as an option eliminator on the PBT. Prior notification is not required.
An option eliminator is available as part of
standard CBT administration.
Prior notification is not required.
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Blocking Ruler Scratch paper, which is provided by the testing center as part of the standard TASC administration, may be used in lieu of a blocking ruler on the PBT. Prior notification is not required.
In the TASC CBT, a blocking ruler is available
as part of standard administration.
Prior notification is not required.
Formula Sheet TASC examinees will be provided access to a formula sheet as part of
standard test administration where applicable.
Prior notification is not required.
A formula sheet is available as part of
standard CBT administration conditions
where applicable.
Prior notification is not required.
Colored Overlays An examinee may use tinted clear plastic overlays over pages in the
test booklet.
Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to bring
the overlays.
The CBT has configurable settings for
background color, font color and font size.
Prior notification is required. The
administrator must change system settings to
support the examinee’s request.
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Noise Reduction The examinee may use earplugs to reduce background noise. The
examinee will need to provide his or her own such device and make
it available to the Examiner for inspection prior to testing.
Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to bring
the device and earplugs.
In the CBT, an auditory calming tool is
available. Earphones must be requested
from the test center in advance.
Prior notification is required. The
administrator must change system settings to
support the examinee’s request.
Magnifying Device An examinee may use handheld magnifiers, eyeglass-mounted
magnifiers, freestanding magnifiers, or magnifying overlays, to
enlarge text and graphics.
Prior notification is not required. The examinee is required to bring
the device.
A digital magnifying glass is available in the
CBT.
Prior notification is required. The
administrator must change system settings to
support the examinee’s request.
Straightedge The TASC examinee may use scratch paper provided by the test center to aid in spatial orientation and reading. Prior notification is not required.
A masking ruler tool is available in the CBT.
Prior notification is required. The
administrator must change system settings to
support the examinee’s request.
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Tool/Material Paper-Based Test (PBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Magnification A large‐print edition (PBT) is available upon request.
Prior notification is required.
Large font is available on the CBT.
Prior notification is required. The
administrator must change system settings to
support the examinee’s request.
Special Lighting Special lighting is allowed for an examinee to enhance examinee vision and comfort. For example, some examinees may need to be seated near the window for natural lighting or may bring a small desk lamp. Prior notification is required. The examinee must bring a small desk lamp, if required. The examinee’s seating location may need special consideration if an electric outlet is necessary. (Note: Use of desk lamps may not be allowable at some testing centers.)
Special lighting is allowed for an examinee to enhance examinee vision and comfort. For example, some examinees may need to be seated near the window for natural lighting or may bring a small desk lamp. Prior notification is required. The examinee must bring a small desk lamp, if required. The examinee’s seating location may need special consideration if an electric outlet is necessary. (Note: Use of desk lamps may not be allowable at some testing centers.)
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
CBT Allowable Resources
• For computer-based features that are available as allowable resources, the Test Coordinator may need to change system settings in order to provide for the system functionality that will enable examinee use
• The examinee should provide prior notification to the testing center for those features to be made available
Special Testing Accommodations
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Special Testing Accommodations
• Special testing accommodations:
− Only provided to examinees with appropriate documentation diagnosing their disability or disorder and supporting the need for the recommended accommodation
– An examinee may only receive a special testing accommodation if he or she has submitted a TASC Special Testing Accommodations Request Form to be formally approved by the West Virginia State Test Administrator
– The request form must contain accommodations recommendations from a physician, psychiatrist, or other appropriately licensed professional
• In these cases, examinees may only receive the accommodation(s) that have been specifically approved
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Accommodations Process
• West Virginia examinees download the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form from the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com
• Examinees will submit the request form directly to the West Virginia State Test Administrator at [email protected] – If a WV examinee sends his/her request form to CTB, CTB will forward
it to WV
• If submitted via email: CTB will forward it electronically
• If submitted via paper or fax : CTB will scan it and forward it electronically
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Accommodations Process (continued)
• CTB, Test Coordinators, and examinees will receive notification from the West Virginia State Test Administrator as to the specific accommodations approved
• Examiners will receive instructions from the Test Coordinator as to which accommodations to provide to a particular examinee
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Special Testing Accommodations: Alternate Presentations
Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Alternate Presentation
Audio CD of Subject-
area Tests
YES An audio CD presentation of TASC Math, Science, Social Studies,
Reading and Writing is available in English and Spanish. A CD player
is required and should be provided by the test center.
DVD of Signed Version
of Test Instructions
YES A DVD of signed instructions in American Sign Language is available
to examinees. A DVD player and appropriate viewing device is
required. A DVD player should be provided by the test center.
Screen Reader (CBT) YES The TASC CBT has screen reader functionality. The examinee
activates the reader by positioning the cursor on the text and
clicking.
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Breaks
Supervised Breaks YES YES Both the PBT and the CBT can be administered with supervised
breaks. The CBT can be paused for up to 20 minutes to
accommodate a break.
Multiple Sessions YES The TASC PBT can be administered over multiple sessions. The
coordinator will store the assessment in a locked cabinet between
sessions. The examinee must be supervised during breaks.
Special Testing Accommodations: Breaks
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Calculator
Calculator Memory
Function
YES The memory function of a calculator can be used to support working
memory. In these cases, it is expected that the examinee knows how
to use this feature and has experience with this accommodation.
Talking Calculator YES An examinee with visual impairments or print disability may receive
approval to use a talking calculator during testing.
Special Testing Accommodations: Calculator
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Duration
1.25 Times Standard
Testing Time
YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 1.25
(1 ¼) times the standard administration time. This duration is
available only for the PBT.
1.50 Times Standard
Testing Time
YES YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 1.5 (1
½) times the standard administration time. This duration is available
for both the PBT and the CBT.
Twice the Standard
Testing Time
YES Extended testing time is an accommodation that is provided at 2.0
(2) times the standard administration time. This duration is available
only for the PBT.
Special Testing Accommodations: Duration
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Physical Support
Preferential Seating
Location
YES YES Preferential seating refers to seating in a location that supports the
examinee’s testing experience. Preferential seating may be free
from distractions, have special lighting conditions, have extra desk
space for large materials, (large-print or Braille materials), etc.
Adaptive Equipment YES YES Assistive technology (PBT only), pencil grips, etc.
Adaptive Furniture YES YES Adjustable height desks, cushioned furniture, wheel chair friendly
desk, chairs with armrests, etc.
Other Other physical support accommodations may be approved based on
the examinee’s particular needs.
Special Testing Accommodations: Physical Support
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Scribe
Point or Dictate
Answers
YES A scribe may be provided for the PBT. The scribe must be qualified,
have appropriate training, and follow specified guidelines.
For the Writing Test YES
Special Testing Accommodations: Scribe
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Technology Device
Technology-assisted
Writing
YES Technology-assisted writing is an accommodation when the
following features are disengaged: formatting, spell check, and
grammar check.
Assistive Technology
Device
YES Examinees may use personal assistive technology devices. However,
all assessment content must be deleted from the device following
testing.
Special Testing Accommodations: Technology Device
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Separate Room Separate Room YES YES An examinee may be tested in a separate location with a qualified
examiner present.
Special Testing Accommodations: Separate Room
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Small Group Setting Small Group Setting YES YES An examinee may be tested in a small group setting with a qualified
examiner present.
Special Testing Accommodations: Small Group Setting
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Accommodation
Category
Accommodation
Details PBT CBT Description
Other To be described in the
Request Form
YES Accommodations not otherwise listed may be approved based on
the Evaluator’s recommendation and the Examinee’s particular
needs. Special arrangements may be required to support such
accommodations and not all testing centers may be able to provide
all approved accommodations.
Special Testing Accommodations: Other
Special Testing Accommodations Request Form
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Applying for Special Testing Accommodations • To apply for Special Testing Accommodations for the TASC, the
request form should be completed by the TASC Examinee (with the support of an Advocate, if desired) and by a licensed professional Evaluator
• The Examinee should deliver the completed form to the TASC Test Coordinator at the local testing site for processing and verification – Forms may be submitted to the West Virginia State Test Administrator if the Test
Coordinator is not available
• Once verified, the request form is to be submitted to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review and approval
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Request Form
• The request form has four sections: – Sections 1, 2, and 3 must be completed prior to the request being sent
to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review
Section is completed by the…
1 Examinee
2 Evaluator (a licensed professional who can diagnose the Examinee’s disability and recommend appropriate accommodations)
3 TASC Test Coordinator at the Examinee’s local TASC Testing Center
4 West Virginia State Test Administrator
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Steps to complete accommodations request 1. The Examinee completes Section 1 (with the support of an
Advocate, if desired)
2. The Evaluator completes Section 2 and provides supporting documentation in the form of an Evaluation Report
3. The Examinee provides the request form to the TASC Test Coordinator at the local testing center
4. The TASC Test Coordinator and Examinee review Sections 1 and 2 for completeness
5. If Sections 1 and 2 are deemed complete, the TASC Test Coordinator completes Section 3
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Steps (continued) 6. The Examinee sends the request form and supporting
documentation, such as the Evaluation Report, to the West Virginia State Test Administrator for review
7. The West Virginia State Test Administrator reviews the request form, makes an approval decision, and mails the decision letter to CTB, the Examinee, and the local testing center
8. After the request form has been submitted the Examinee can contact the West Virginia State Test Administrator for questions about the status of a request
Final thoughts…
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Documentation
• The following additional important documents, available on the TASC website at www.TASCtest.com, will help the Examinee and Evaluator prepare the request form for submission: – Overview of TASC Accommodations
– TASC Allowable Resources and Prior Notification Form
– TASC Special Testing Accommodations Descriptions
– Examinee Guidelines for Requesting TASC Special Testing Accommodations
– Evaluator Guidelines for Requesting TASC Special Testing Accommodations
– TASC Special Testing Accommodations Approval Criteria
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CTB Customer Support
• TASC Technical Support – [email protected]
– Toll Free: (888) 282-0589
– Hours: 7:30am – 8pm EST
• Monday - Friday
West Virginia State Test Administrator
Debra Kimbler Assistant Director Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development Building 6, Room 728 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, WV 25305-0330 304.558.6315 P 304.558.4874 F E-mail: [email protected] wvde.state.wv.us
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Thank you!