TASC Accommodations Training Copyright © 2013 by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC. This publication or portions thereof may not be reproduced and distributed. The TASC

TASC AccommodationsTraining

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

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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

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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 CTB/McGraw-Hill TASC Accommodations 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

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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

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Subject Areas

• TASC assesses five subject areas:– Language Arts: Reading– Language Arts: Writing– Mathematics– Science– Social Studies

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Allowable Resources


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

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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.


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Colored 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.


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.


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.


A digital eraser is available as part of standard CBT administration.


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.


An option eliminator is available as part of standard CBT administration.


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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.


In the TASC CBT, a blocking ruler is available as part of standard administration.


Formula Sheet TASC examinees will be provided access to a formula sheet as part of standard test administration where applicable.


A formula sheet is available as part of standard CBT administration conditions where applicable.


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.

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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.


Straightedge The TASC examinee may use scratch paper provided by the test center to aid in spatial orientation and reading.


A masking ruler tool is available in the CBT.


Magnification A large‐print edition (PBT) is available upon request.

Prior notification is required.

Large font is available on the CBT.


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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

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Special Testing Accommodations


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 a CTB/McGraw-Hill TASC Accommodations 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

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Accommodations Process• Test Coordinators and examinees will receive notification from

TASC Accommodations Administrators as to the specific accommodations approved

• Examiners will receive instructions from the Test Coordinator as to which accommodations to provide to a particular examinee

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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Special Testing Accommodations Request Form


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

• Once verified, the request form is to be submitted to CTB/McGraw-Hill’s TASC Accommodations 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 CTB/McGraw-Hill TASC Accommodations 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 CTB/McGraw-Hill TASC Accommodations Administrator

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Steps to complete accommodations request1. 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 Report3. The Examinee provides the request form to the TASC Test

Coordinator at the local testing center4. 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 CTB/McGraw-Hill TASC Accommodations Administrator for review

7. The TASC Accommodations Administrator reviews the request form, makes an approval decision, and mails the decision letter to the Examinee and local testing center

8. After the request form has been submitted to the TASC Accommodations Administrator, the Examinee can email [email protected] or call 888-282-0589 between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time for questions about the status of a request

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Final thoughts…


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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Customer Support

• TASC Technical Support– [email protected] – Toll Free: (888) 282-0589– Hours: 7:30am – 8pm EST

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Questions/Comments?

• Please forward your questions and comments to: [email protected]

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Documents

TASC Accommodations Training Copyright © 2013 by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC. This publication or portions thereof may not be reproduced and distributed. The TASC