Transcript TETN11747-LinguisticAccoms

Training on
Linguistic Accommodations
TM
for the STAAR Program
TEA Student Assessment Division
February 12, 2013
TETN Event #: 19014
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Disclaimer
• These slides have been prepared by the Student
Assessment Division of the Texas Education
Agency.
• If any slide is changed for local use, please remove
the TEA footer at the bottom of the slide.
TEA Student Assessment Division
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Important Note
• This PowerPoint does not take the place of reading
the appropriate administrative manuals and related
resources on the Student Assessment Division
website
• In addition, this PowerPoint should be used in
conjunction with the
 LPAC decision-making process training PowerPoint (for
information about ELL assessment policy, test
participation, and linguistic accommodation decisions)
 ESC testing coordinator training PowerPoint (for
information about test administration procedures)
TEA Student Assessment Division
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Linguistic Accommodation
Guide
Linguistic Accommodations for ELLs Participating in the
STAAR Program
• Linguistic accommodation guide is principal source of
linguistic accommodation information for testing
personnel
• Coordinators and test administrators should read and
review the contents of this guide carefully
• Available at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/accomm
odations/
TEA Student Assessment Division
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STAAR Decision-Making Guide for
LPACs
2012–2013 STAAR Decision-Making Guide for LPACs
• Contains details about the LPAC decision-making and
documentation process
• Available at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/ell/lpac/
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Topics
• Overview
• Linguistic accommodations for students taking STAAR
and STAAR L
• STAAR example test items to use in training
• Answer document coding for ELLs
• Linguistic accommodations for students taking STAAR
Modified
• STAAR L paper administrations
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Overview
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Review of STAAR Assessments for
ELLs
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Participation in General STAAR
Assessment

Taken by ELLs and other students not administered STAAR
Spanish, STAAR L, STAAR Modified, or STAAR Alternate

Remember:
 STAAR L is for mathematics, science, and social studies,
not reading and writing
 STAAR Spanish is for grades 3–5 only
 Linguistic accommodations beyond testing in native
language not permitted for STAAR Spanish
 ELLs taking general STAAR assessments permitted
some linguistic accommodations
TEA Student Assessment Division
Eligibility for STAAR Spanish and
STAAR L
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Alignment of STAAR, STAAR Spanish,
and STAAR L
Same:
• Assessed curriculum and item types
• STAAR blueprints for building tests
• Achievement standard alignment
• Focus on readiness for next grade level or course with goal of
postsecondary readiness
Differences have to do with language accessibility:
• STAAR Spanish uses native language to help students understand
test
• STAAR L provides English-language accommodations
to help students understand test
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STAAR L Eligibility
 STAAR L is for students who require moderate to
substantial linguistic accommodation to understand the
English used on STAAR mathematics, science, and social
studies assessments
 STAAR L is for students for whom clarification of word
meaning in English and/or reading words aloud (in
addition to potentially using a bilingual dictionary and
having extra time) is important to their ability to
understand challenging material written in English
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STAAR L Eligibility
• All students taking STAAR L will have access to the
accommodations of clarification in English and reading aloud
of text in online system
• As part of the decision-making process, LPACs should
determine and document whether the student needs at least
one of these accommodations. If not, the student should take
STAAR
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ELL Participation in STAAR Modified
and STAAR Alternate
• ELLs receiving special education services who
meet requirements for STAAR Modified or
STAAR Alternate may take these assessments
• Small number of ELLs
• ELLs participate only on basis of disability, not
second language acquisition
TEA Student Assessment Division
Differing Degrees of
Linguistic Accommodation for STAAR
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STAAR Spanish: Assessment is provided in student’s native language; other
linguistic accommodations not applicable
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ELLs with Parental Denials
TAC §101.1005 (f)
Reminder: These students are not eligible for special ELL
assessment, accommodation, or accountability provisions
• No testing in Spanish
• No linguistic accommodations during testing
• No English I/II EOC special provisions
• No unschooled asylee/refugee provisions
ELLs with parental denials may, however, use bilingual, ESL, or
other allowable dictionaries as part of dictionary policy for
STAAR reading and writing tests in grade 6 and up; under this
policy, use of dictionaries not considered linguistic
accommodation
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Linguistic Accommodations
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About Linguistic Accommodations
• Linguistic accommodations are language supports
that decrease the language barrier ELLs experience
when learning and demonstrating knowledge and
skills in English
• Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)
require that all teachers linguistically accommodate
the instruction of ELLs according to students’ English
language proficiency levels
• STAAR linguistic accommodation policies support
these ELPS requirements
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Linguistic Accommodations in
Instruction
• Support learning of both subject matter and English
• Are expected to change and be needed less often as
students learn more English
• Are monitored and adjusted by teachers as students
learn more English
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Linguistic Accommodations During
State Assessment
• Not all accommodations suitable for instruction are
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allowable during state assessments
Accommodations in instruction are designed to foster
and support learning
STAAR measures degree to which students have met
curriculum and performance standards
Accommodations during assessment must not alter what
is fundamentally assessed
Issues of test standardization and test administration
logistics must be considered during state assessments
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STAAR Linguistic Accommodation
Eligibility Criteria
• Made on individual student basis by LPAC
• Decisions must be based on —
 student’s particular needs for second language
acquisition support
 whether student is routinely provided the
accommodation in instruction and testing
• Providing unfamiliar accommodations may hinder
rather than help student
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Role of LPAC

Preparing for Test Administrations
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LPAC Role
• LPACs are responsible for coordinating with subject area
teachers to make linguistic accommodation decisions in
accordance with the eligibility criteria; the LPAC’s role
should not be simply to process paperwork
• The LPAC process provides opportunities for guiding
teachers, supporting ELPS and TEKS implementation, and
determining needs for teachers’ professional
development
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Coordination Between LPAC and
Testing Coordinators
• Testing coordinators and LPACs must coordinate so
that participation and accommodation decisions are
available in time to make testing arrangements
• Remember, linguistic accommodations not just for
STAAR L
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Coordination Between LPAC and
Testing Coordinators
Sample Forms for Documenting Participation &
Accommodation Decisions
• Record of STAAR participation and linguistic
accommodation decisions
• STAAR eligibility for special English I/II EOC provisions
• Student history worksheet
• Forms on LPAC assessment resources webpage at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/ell/l
pac/
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR, STAAR L, STAAR Modified
• In some cases, students taking different assessments
may be grouped across programs, grades, and
subject areas/courses
 Examples: STAAR and STAAR Modified paper tests, STAAR
and STAAR L online assessments
• Organize test sessions in a way that keeps students
from being confused or disturbed by differences in
directions read aloud or accommodations provided
• Keep in mind: Certain accommodations require an
individual or small group administration
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR, STAAR L, STAAR Modified
Extra Time (Same Day) as a Linguistic Accommodation
• Permitted for any ELL if student meets eligibility criteria
as determined by LPAC
• Not “automatic”
• Extra time within regularly scheduled school day only
• Schools with both morning and afternoon 4-hour test
sessions must include these students in morning session
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR and STAAR Modified
Linguistic Accommodations Provided by Test
Administrator
• Examples
 Clarification in English of word meaning in writing prompts
(STAAR)
 Clarification in English of word meaning in short answer reading
questions (STAAR)
 Clarification in English of word meaning (STAAR Modified)
 Oral translation (STAAR Modified)
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR and STAAR Modified
Linguistic Accommodations Provided by Test
Administrator
• Require additional training for test administrators
• Individual or small group administrations may be
necessary
 Test administrators who provide clarification of word
meaning should be ―
 familiar with the subject matter assessed and linguistic
needs of the students, and
 work routinely with the students in assisting with or
delivering instruction
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR L
• District and campus coordinators, in conjunction with
technology staff, will need to follow steps to prepare for,
conduct, and complete online testing
• Technology staff must be available for assistance during
test administration
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Planning for Test Administrations –
STAAR L
• Ensure that there is one pair of headphones per student
for administrations of STAAR L in which multiple students
are tested in the same room (STAAR L online interface
allows students to hear words read aloud)
 As an option, students may bring their own headphones from
home
• Keep in mind that students taking STAAR L online may be
eligible to use a bilingual dictionary and/or receive extra
time
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Preparing ELLs for Testing with
Linguistic Accommodations – STAAR L
• STAAR L Online Student Tutorials
 Now available at
http://www.texasassessment.com/STAARL-tutorials and
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/ell/staarl/
 Administration directions for each tutorial will also be
posted
 Should be used to familiarize students with clarification and
read aloud accommodations and standard TestNav tools
 Test administration directions for spring 2013 STAAR L
assessments will assume some familiarity with online
interface
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Preparing ELLs for Testing with
Linguistic Accommodations – STAAR,
STAAR L, STAAR Modified
• In training test administrators with ELLs in their
sessions, make sure to review this section of test
administrator manuals
• Administration “SAY” directions assume ELLs have
been told in advance
 how their sessions will be conducted
 what type of accommodations they may receive
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Helping ELLs Understand Test
Directions – STAAR, STAAR L, STAAR
Modified
 For all tests, ELLs may be helped to understand “SAY”
directions and test booklet directions that introduce test
sections or item formats. TA is allowed to:
 paraphrase
 translate
 repeat
 read directions aloud
 TA is not allowed to add directions that are substantively
different (no pointers, no test-taking strategies, etc.)
 With the exception of STAAR L, STAAR tests have no
sample items; familiarize new ELLs with item formats
ahead of time using released items on TEA website
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Assessing New Immigrants Who Know
Little English – STAAR, STAAR L,
STAAR Modified
 In isolated situations in which completing an
assessment is not in best interest of student (e.g.,
newly arrived ELL who knows too little English),
campus coordinator, with other appropriate
personnel, may decide to submit test for scoring
without requiring student to complete test
 Score code is “S”
 Circumstances should be documented and
communicated to student’s parents after test
administration
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Affective Needs of ELLs
Recently Arrived ELLs
 Meeting affective needs of ELLs who are new to the U.S.
is important in instruction and testing
 Sending encouraging, calm vibrations goes a long way
 Help new ELLs look at first year of test results as good
information to use in setting and meeting goals for
following year
All ELLs
 Encourage practices that involve all ELLs in setting and
reaching goals for English acquisition and academic
achievement
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Linguistic Accommodations for
Students Taking STAAR and
STAAR L
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Linguistic Accommodations
STAAR
*Dictionary access to be provided for all students in grade 6 and up as part of
STAAR dictionary policy
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Linguistic Accommodations
STAAR L
*Provided in online interface beginning spring 2013
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STAAR and STAAR L
Linguistic Accommodations―
Dictionaries
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Dictionaries as a Linguistic
Accommodation
• Four categories:
 Bilingual dictionary
 English/ESL dictionary
 Non-English monolingual dictionary
 Picture dictionary
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Bilingual Dictionary
Allowable for STAAR and STAAR L (any subject)
• Considered a linguistic accommodation for
 math, science, social studies (all grades)
 grades 3–5 reading and grade 4 writing
• Reminder: Allowed for grade 6 and up reading and writing as
part of STAAR dictionary policy (and not considered a
linguistic accommodation)
• Used to translate words (and sometimes common phrases)
from one language to another
• Bilingual dictionaries that include pictures are fine as long as
they do not illustrate content terminology or concepts
TEA Student Assessment Division
Bilingual Dictionary
Examples of translated words — Spanish to English
(useful when writing in English)
cita appointment, meeting; date; quotation
decepcionar disappoint
débil weak
Examples of translated words — English to Spanish
(useful when reading in English)
evenly uniformemente; imparcialmente, equitativamente
live broadcast emisión en directo
photosynthesis fotosíntesis
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Bilingual Dictionary
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Example entry — English to Spanish
age [eIdƷ] noun (general) edad; old age vejez; (period) época; (fam: long
time) we waited for ages esperamos una eternidad; verb envejecer
The Spanish translation for the word “age,” which seems like a simple word
in English, has multiple meanings and is a different word in each case.
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English/ESL Dictionary
• Allowable for STAAR reading and writing only; not other
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STAAR subjects; not STAAR L
Considered a linguistic accommodation below grade 6
Reminder: Allowed for grade 6 and up reading and
writing as part of STAAR dictionary policy (and not
considered a linguistic accommodation)
Unlike bilingual dictionaries, English dictionaries contain
definitions of English words
ESL dictionaries define words using simpler English
Some dictionaries (e.g., children’s dictionaries, ESL
dictionaries) include some pictures
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Non-English Monolingual
Dictionary
• Allowable for STAAR reading and writing only
• Considered a linguistic accommodation in grade 3 and up
• Single-language standard (definition) dictionary in a language
other than English (e.g., dictionary of Spanish language;
dictionary of Vietnamese language)
• Would likely need to be used in combination with other
dictionaries; this requires skill and experience
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Picture Dictionary
• Allowable for STAAR reading and writing only
• Linguistic accommodation in grade 3 and up
• Conveys word meaning through drawings or photos; includes
only words that can be pictured
• May be monolingual, bilingual, or multilingual (may show
picture plus word in one language or more than one
language)
• Contains small body of words; has limited usefulness as
stand-alone linguistic accommodation
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Allowable and Nonallowable Formats
Within four categories of allowable dictionaries, keep in mind
the following guidelines:
 Paper and electronic dictionary formats (including handheld electronic devices) are permitted
 Electronic devices:
 must not be Internet-based (it is not sufficient to disable
Internet)
 any features that allow entering and saving text or uploading
files must be cleared before and after test administration
 if device has additional capabilities (e.g. calculator) that
cannot be disabled, the test administrator must actively
monitor to ensure that these features are not accessed
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Allowable and Nonallowable Formats
• Subject-specific/topic-specific dictionaries (e.g.,
science dictionaries, academic language dictionaries,
etc.) are not permitted
• Bilingual dictionaries must be word/phrase translation
dictionaries only; must not define words or illustrate
or explain content terminology or concepts
• Bilingual, ESL, and standard monolingual dictionaries
that contain occasional pictures are acceptable as long
as the pictures do not illustrate content terminology or
concepts
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Allowable and Nonallowable Formats
• Electronic devices that translate beyond the level of
words and set phrases are not considered bilingual
dictionaries and are not permitted
• Only dictionaries by reputable dictionary publishing
companies should be used (no dictionaries produced
by school districts, service centers, etc.)
• A state list of approved dictionaries will not be issued
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STAAR Reading and Writing
Dictionary Policy Grade 6 and Up
• For reading and writing only
• For all Texas students in grade 6 and up, including
ELLs (new immigrants too) and students with
disabilities
• Standard English dictionaries allowed, as well as
bilingual and ESL dictionaries
• Policy specifies minimums and recommended
numbers of dictionaries per number of students
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STAAR Reading and Writing
Dictionary Policy Grades 6 and Up
Policy document notes regarding ELLs:
 Provide in accordance with ELL’s needs and how much used in
instruction and classroom testing
 For ELLs who depend heavily on them, recommendation is
one dictionary per student
 More than one type of allowable dictionary may be provided
to an ELL (or to any student)
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STAAR Reading and Writing
Dictionary Policy Grade 6 and Up
• Two sources for dictionary policies for ELLs taking STAAR:
STAAR dictionary policy
 Applies to reading and writing assessments in grade 6 and above
 Available at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/reading/
Linguistic Accommodations for ELLs Participating in the STAAR
Program guide
 Outlines policies for the use of dictionaries on all other tests not
covered under the STAAR dictionary policy
 Available at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/accommodations/
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STAAR and STAAR L –
Other Linguistic Accommodations
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Extra Time (Same Day)
as a Linguistic Accommodation
 Allowable for STAAR (any subject or course) and STAAR L
 Enables ELL to have extra time within regularly scheduled
school day to complete assessment
 Does not mean ELL must take all day; means student may
have additional time needed within school day
 LPAC does not need to predetermine and document a specific
amount of extra time a student could need; LPAC needs only
document that student needs extra time
 Not automatically allowed for all ELLs
 See eligibility criteria next slide
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Extra Time (Same Day) Specific
Eligibility Criteria
 Routine use in specified contexts: ELL must need and
routinely be provided extra time when completing
assignments and assessments that require substantial
comprehension or use a substantial amount of English
 Second language acquisition needs: Needs must relate to
second language acquisition factors, that is, the time the
ELL needs to read meaningfully in English (or write a
response, as applicable to subject assessed) as a function
of learning the English language
 Nonfactors: Factors that are not ELL-specific must not be
considered, such as test anxiety, use of test strategies, or
other reasons not related to second language acquisition
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Clarification in English of Word
Meaning – Writing Prompts
• Allowable for STAAR writing: grades 4, 7, English I-III
• On per student request basis only, test administrator may
clarify meaning of words and phrases on writing prompt page
(NOTE: For reading excerpt in English III analytical writing
prompt, only occasional single words may be clarified)
• Before providing clarification, test administrator should ask
whether student has looked up word in dictionary;
clarification can be provided to students who still need
assistance after using dictionary
 Grade 4 writing: This requirement does not apply if student is
not using dictionary as linguistic accommodation
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Clarification in English of Word
Meaning – Writing Prompts
 Test administrator may use simpler English, pictures,
and/or gestures
 Test administrator is not permitted to reinforce or
emphasize any information on prompt page or assist
with planning, organizing, or writing of composition
 Note: When clarifying the meaning of words, test
administrators may reference a dictionary and are
not required to give definitions or explanations from
memory
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Clarif. in English of Word Meaning–
Short-Answer Reading Questions
 Allowable for STAAR English I-III reading
 On per student request basis only, test administrator may
clarify meaning of words/phrases in short-answer questions
 Before providing clarification, test administrator should ask
whether student has looked up word in dictionary;
clarification can be provided to students who still need
assistance after using dictionary
 Clarification is not permitted for
 language arts terms
 words/phrases that are part of selection title
 words/phrases that are quoted from selection
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Clarif. in English of Word Meaning –
Short-Answer Reading Questions
• Test administrator may use simpler English, pictures,
and/or gestures
• Test administrator is not permitted to reinforce or
emphasize any part of information or assist with
planning, organizing, or writing of response
• Note: When clarifying the meaning of words, test
administrators may reference a dictionary and are
not required to give definitions or explanations from
memory
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Clarif. in English of Word Meaning &
Reading Aloud of Text– Math, Science,
Social Studies
• Allowable for STAAR L, not STAAR
• Provided in the online interface for all students
taking STAAR L
• Students receive computer-provided clarification
assistance by clicking on eligible words and
phrases in test questions
• Reading aloud of text provided by Hear a Word
online tool
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Optional Test Administration
Procedures
• Flexible/frequent breaks
 As standard practice test administrators may give all
students restroom breaks or short mental breaks as
needed
 Whether testing within 4-hour limit or with extra time,
the test administrator should be aware that some ELLs
may need more frequent or flexible breaks than other
students
 For ELLs testing within the 4-hour time limit, the clock
does not stop for these breaks
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Optional Test Administration
Procedures
• Clarification/translation of test administration
directions
 As standard procedures for STAAR, any ELL is allowed
assistance in understanding the directions that are read
aloud before the test (“SAY” directions) and any directions
that introduce a particular test section or item format
 Test administrator may paraphrase, translate, repeat, or
read aloud these types of directions at student request
 Test administrator must not add directions that are
substantively different (e.g., give pointers or remind
students about using strategies)
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Optional Test Administration
Procedures
• See the Coordinator Manual Resources page at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/manuals
/dccm/ for more information about optional test
administration procedures and STAAR time limits policies
and procedures
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STAAR Example Items for Training Test
Administrators – Reading and Writing
(Including English I–III)
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STAAR Example 1: Grade 7 Writing (Expository)
Clarification of Word Meaning in Writing Prompt
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STAAR Example 2: English III Writing (Analytical)
Clarification of Word Meaning in Writing Prompt
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STAAR Example 3: English I Reading
Clarification of Word Meaning in Short-Answer
Reading Questions
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Answer Document
Coding for ELLs
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Paper Answer Document
Coding for ELLs
STAAR and STAAR Modified
• Linguistic accommodations to be marked along with other
accommodations
STAAR L
• STAAR answer documents no longer used for STAAR L
• So, no “L” bubble in Test Taken Info field or STAAR L linguistic
accommodations bubbles on STAAR answer documents
• Students taking a TEA-approved paper administration of STAAR L will
record answers in the test booklet; a test administrator will transcribe
responses into special online form
Spanish STAAR
• STAAR and STAAR Spanish share same answer document. Remember,
no linguistic accommodations ever to be coded for STAAR Spanish
TEA Student Assessment Division
Paper Answer Document Coding
Linguistic Accommodation Summary
(3–8 and EOC)
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*Dictionaries are linguistic accommodations on reading and writing tests (English versions) in grades
3–5 only; in grade 6 and up, they are part of dictionary policy for all students
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Recording Linguistic
Accommodations for Online Tests
STAAR EOC and STAAR L Grades 3–8 and EOC
• Linguistic accommodations to be recorded along with other
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applicable accommodations on the Student Test Details screen in
the Assessment Management System
All students taking STAAR L have access to the accommodations of
clarification in English and reading aloud of text in the online
interface
For this reason, the fields for these accommodations will NOT be
active on the Student Test Details screen
The accommodations of bilingual dictionary and extra time should
be recorded if they were made available to the student
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General Guideline for Recording
Linguistic Accommodations
Whether the student tested on paper or online,
record the accommodations that were predetermined by the LPAC and made available to
the student during testing, even if the student
did not use the accommodation
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Linguistic Accommodations
for Students Taking STAAR
Modified
TEA Student Assessment Division
Linguistic Accommodations
STAAR Modified
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*Unique to STAAR Modified
**Dictionary access to be provided for all students in grade 6 and up as part of STAAR
dictionary policy
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Linguistic Accommodations –
STAAR Modified
• STAAR policies for the following accommodations
also apply to STAAR Modified:
 Bilingual dictionary
 English dictionary (standard or ESL)
 Monolingual dictionary in languages other than
English
 Picture dictionary
 Extra time
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Clarification in English of
Meaning of Words in Test Items
• Allowable for all STAAR Modified
subjects/courses
• Provides same type of clarification as STAAR L
(paper administrations) and STAAR with following
exceptions:
 Allowed on multiple-choice items in reading and writing
 Writing: Test administrator must be careful not to clarify
word meaning in a way that cues answers to items
testing spelling, mechanics, and grammar
o Example: Test administrator is not permitted to clarify the
meaning of tested words in item assessing homonyms
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Clarification in English of Meaning of
Words in Test Items
• Math, science, social studies: no ECG provided for
STAAR Modified
• Language simplification is part of development
process of STAAR Modified; test administrators may
provide additional clarification at request of student
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Clarification in English of Meaning of
Words in Test Items
• Test administrators should be trained using the STAAR L
example items for paper administrations (provided at the
end of this PowerPoint) as reference for the types of words
that are not eligible for clarification
• Test administrators are not permitted to clarify or
otherwise explain content terminology or concepts, or
provide any assistance that aids the student in finding a
correct answer
• Note: When clarifying the meaning of words, test
administrators may reference a dictionary and are not
required to give definitions or explanations from memory
TEA Student Assessment Division
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Clarif. in English of Meaning of Words
in STAAR Modified Reading and
Writing Selections
• At request of student, test administrator may clarify
meaning of occasional words and phrases in STAAR
Modified reading and writing selections
• Test administrator not permitted to clarify meaning
of entire sentences or longer portions of text
• Test administrator may use simpler English, pictures,
and/or gestures
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Clarif. in English of Meaning of Words
in STAAR Modified Reading and
Writing Selections
• Test administrator must not provide assistance that
aids the student in determining correct answers to
test questions
• Note: When clarifying the meaning of words, test
administrators may reference a dictionary and are
not required to give definitions or explanations from
memory
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Clarif. in English of Meaning of Words
in STAAR Modified Reading and
Writing Selections
• Reading selections: Test administrator must not clarify the
•
meaning of vocabulary, expressions, or other phrasing
specifically assessed in a test question
Writing selections: Test administrator must not clarify
meaning in a way that provides cues related to spelling,
mechanics, or grammar. For example, if a student requests
clarification of the meaning of the misspelled word sugest in
an editing selection, the test administrator must not
comment on the misspelling when clarifying the meaning
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Reading Aloud of Words in
Test Items
• Allowable for all STAAR Modified subjects/courses
• Enables ELLs to ask test administrator to read aloud
words, phrases, or occasional sentences in a test item
• Provided on per student request basis only
• Includes words in stem, question, answer choices, and
any stimuli (e.g., map, diagram, etc.)
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Reading Aloud of Words in
Test Items
• Voice inflection must be kept neutral
• Numbers, symbols, and abbreviations can be read aloud
as long as doing so does not invalidate what item is
testing
Grade 3 Math:
• As standard test administration procedure, all grade 3
students are permitted to receive reading (decoding)
assistance on this assessment
• LPACs do not need to predetermine and document the
need for this assistance
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Reading Aloud of Words in
Test Items
• Note the following for STAAR Modified:
 Includes test items for reading and writing.
 Writing: Only single words (not phrases or sentences) in
multiple-choice questions may be read aloud. Test
administrator must be careful not to read aloud words that
would aid students in determining answers to test questions
 For example, words in answer choices that assess spelling must
be pronounced correctly even if there is a difference in
pronunciation between the misspelled and correctly spelled
word
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Reading Aloud of Words in
Test Items
NOTE:
• Oral administrations: For reasons associated with their
•
particular disabling condition, some students taking STAAR
Modified tests may be eligible for an oral administration of
test questions (exception: no oral administration of writing
test questions). In such a case, oral administration guidelines
should be followed
Writing prompts: Keep in mind that test administrators may
read aloud all information on the prompt page if student
requests or if documented in IEP
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Reading Aloud of Words in STAAR
Modified Reading and Writing
Selections
• Reading selections: At request of student, test administrator
•
•
may read aloud occasional words or phrases in a reading test
selection. Sentences and longer portions of text must not be
read aloud
Writing selections: At request of student, test administrator may
read aloud occasional single words. Reading aloud phrases or
longer portions of text is not permitted. Correct pronunciation
should be used in reading a misspelled word aloud
NOTE: Test administrators read aloud the title and prereading
text above STAAR Modified reading and writing selections to all
STAAR Modified students as part of standard test administration
procedures
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Oral Translation
• Allowable for all STAAR Modified subjects/courses
• At request of student, test administrator may orally
translate a word, term, phrase, or occasional
sentence that student does not understand
• Test administrator is not permitted to define or
explain content terminology, concepts, or skills
assessed. Test administrator is permitted only to give
equivalent word or words in other language
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Oral Translation
• Examples:
 If a Spanish-speaking student requests assistance with the
meaning of the word sodium in an item, the test
administrator may say the equivalent term sodio
 If the student asks what row means in a sentence in which
the context refers to rowing a boat, the test administrator
may say remar
• In translating, test administrator must not provide
assistance that cues correct answers
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Bilingual Glossary
(Word List)
• Allowable for all STAAR Modified subjects/courses
•
•
•
•
Students may use locally developed or other customized bilingual
glossary to find the translation of words they have difficulty
understanding in English
Glossary must not include definitions, explanations, examples, or
pictures that will aid students in understanding content terminology,
concepts, or skills assessed
Only native-language equivalents are allowed
Example: It would be appropriate to translate square inch as pulgada
cuadrada in Spanish in a bilingual glossary. It would not be appropriate
to define what a square inch is or to include a picture of a square inch
TEA Student Assessment Division
STAAR L Paper
Administrations
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
• Paper test booklets (including large print, if applicable)
approved by TEA in rare circumstances
 Accommodations that are not available in TestNav
 Unavoidable technological problems that make online testing
impossible
 Other special situations (e.g., homebound students, JJAEPs,
etc.)
• If request is approved, TEA will order test booklets
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
• Information about special request process, including the
request form, is available on the Coordinator Manual
Resources page:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/manuals
/dccm/
• Keep in mind: Paper testing won’t be approved on the
basis that the student knows very little English or has
limited exposure to computers
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
 Shipment will include
 STAAR L test booklet(s)
 Coordinator and test administrator supplement for
STAAR L paper administrations*
 Secure ECG(s) for test administrators to use when
providing clarification in English
 Transcribing Griddable Answers sheet(s) (one per test
booklet) for some math and science tests**
 NOTE: “Regular” STAAR administration manuals do not
include instructions for paper-based STAAR L testing
*Also posted on Coordinator Manual Resources Page
**Also available in Resources section of Assessment Management System
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
Organizing Test Sessions
 Individual or small group administrations are
necessary
 Test administrators respond to student requests for reading
text aloud and clarifying word meaning
 Students taking STAAR L on paper cannot be
grouped with students taking other assessments
(i.e., STAAR L online, STAAR, STAAR Spanish, or
STAAR Modified)
95
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
 In addition to receiving training on general test
administration procedures and test security, test
administrators need to be trained in testing procedures
specific to STAAR L paper administrations
 Test administrators who provide clarification of word
meaning should be ―
 familiar with the subject matter assessed and linguistic
needs of the students, and
 work routinely with the students in assisting with or
delivering instruction
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
• ECG instructions page is posted for use during
training on STAAR L Resources page at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/ell/
staarl/; also available in STAAR L Supplement for
Paper Administrations
• Because ECGs are secure documents, reviewing
instructions in posted version will help familiarize
test administrators with using an ECG
• Remember, ECGs are for test administrator use only
and should not be distributed to students
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
Transcription of Answers
•
There are no paper answer documents for students
approved to test on paper
•
Students will mark answers in test booklets
 For griddable questions on STAAR L math and science tests,
students will mark answers on Transcribing Griddable
Answers sheet
•
Test administrators (or other designated personnel) will
transcribe student responses into a special online
transcription form
98
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
Transcription of Answers
• Set up test session
• Choose correct form group type (transcribe paper
form, not operational online test form)
• Transcribe responses


Each question has one screen; test administrators will go
screen by screen to transcribe the response to each
question
Responses must match exactly the responses indicated
by the student in the test booklet
• Submit test for scoring
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
Recording Accommodations
• Test administrators must indicate which
accommodation(s) an eligible student is provided by
marking in the appropriate code(s) in the
Assessment Management System
• It may be necessary to mark more than one
accommodation
10
0
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Clarification in English of Word
Meaning – Math, Science, Social
Studies
• Allowable for paper administrations of STAAR L
• Enables student to ask test administrator to
clarify meaning of eligible words and phrases
• Provided on per request basis only
• Test administrator may use simpler English,
pictures, and/or gestures
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102
Clarification in English of Word
Meaning – Math, Science, Social
Studies
• Test administrator is not permitted to define,
explain, or illustrate content terminology or
concepts assessed
• Note: When clarifying the meaning of words, test
administrators may reference a dictionary and
are not required to give definitions or
explanations from memory
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Clarification in English of Word
Meaning – Math, Science, Social
Studies
• Secure ECG provided for test administrators to
use with this accommodation
 Contains instructions and secure list of words in
each test item that are not eligible for clarification
 For test administrator use only; not for students
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Reading Aloud of Text – Math,
Science, Social Studies
• Allowable for STAAR L paper administrations
• Enables ELLs to ask test administrator to read aloud
words, phrases, or occasional sentences in a test
item
• Provided on per student request basis only
• Includes words in stem, question, answer choices,
and any stimuli (e.g., map, diagram, etc.)
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105
Reading Aloud of Text – Math,
Science, Social Studies
• Voice inflection must be kept neutral
• Numbers, symbols, and abbreviations can be read aloud
as long as doing so does not invalidate what item is
testing
Grade 3 Math:
• As standard test administration procedure, all grade 3
students are permitted to receive reading (decoding)
assistance on this assessment
• LPACs do not need to predetermine and document the
need for this assistance
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Paper Administrations of STAAR L
• As with online administrations of STAAR L, students
testing on paper may be eligible to use a bilingual
dictionary and/or extra time
• In addition, optional test administration procedures,
such as flexible/frequent breaks and
clarification/translation of test administration
directions are available for students taking STAAR L
on paper
• See previous slides in this PowerPoint for more
information on these linguistic
accommodations/optional procedures
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
Item Examples –
Math, Science, Social Studies
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
Example 1: Grade 5 Math
Reading Aloud
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
Example 2: Grade 8 Math
• Clarification in English
of word meaning
• Reading aloud
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
Example 3: Chemistry EOC
• Clarification in English of word meaning
• Bilingual Dictionary
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STAAR L Paper Administrations
Example 4: World Geography EOC
• Clarification in English
of word meaning
• Reading aloud
TEA Student Assessment Division
STAAR L Paper Administrations
Example 4: U.S. History EOC
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• Reading aloud
• Bilingual dictionary
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For More Information
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• This PowerPoint is posted on the Accommodation Resources page
of the Student Assessment Division website at
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/accommodations
• For additional ELL assessment information —
 go to http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment and click
on English Language Learner Assessments or
 consult with a coordinator from your district or education
service center
• If further assistance is needed, contact the TEA Student
Assessment Division
 (512) 463-9536
 [email protected]
TEA Student Assessment Division