Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations for MSP Science
For complete information, refer to:Guidelineson Tools Supports and Accommodations (10/03/2016)
Calculator PolicyMaterials Available for Student Access
Table 1: Universal ToolEmbedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
ALL Students May Access
Amplification / The student adjusts the volume control, as needed,using computer or headphones.
Calculator / Students can use an embedded digital calculator for appropriate items by clicking on thecalculator tool button.When the embedded calculator, is not appropriate for a student (for example, for a student who is blind), refer to Table 8, Calculator.
Highlighter / A digital tool for marking desired text, questions, answers, or parts of these with a color. Highlighted text remains available throughout test.
Keyboard Navigation / Students can navigate throughout the assessment using the keyboard.
Mark for Review / Allows students to flag items for review during the assessment. Markings are not saved when the student moves on to the next segment or after pausing the test for more than 20 minutes.
Notepad – Digital / The student uses this feature as virtual scratch paper to make notes, computations, orrecord responses. The digital notepad is item-specific and is available through the end of the testsegment.Notes are not saved after moving to the next test segment or after pause sing the test.
Strikethrough / The student uses this feature to eliminate answer choices that do not appear correct to the student. If an answer option is an image, it will be grayed out.
Zoom / The default font size for all tests is 14 pt. The student can make text and graphics larger by clicking the Zoom In button. Clicking Zoom Out returns to the smallerprint size.
Table 2: Universal Tool
Non-Embedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
ALL Students May Access
Breaks / Students may take breaks as needed to reduce fatigue. There is no limit on the number of breaks a student may take.
Calculator / The calculator used must be on the list of eligible devices, refer to the WCAP
Calculator Policy
Glossary – English / Embedded and paper version provided with test materials provide some definitions.
Scratch and/or Graph Paper / Non-embedded; plain, yellow and lined, and/or graph paper are allowed.
Table 4: Designated
Supports –Embedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
Available for use by student when educator(s) indicates need
Color Contrast / Students with attention difficulties may need this support, as well as students with visual impairments or other learning disabilities. Choice of colors should meet the student’s needs.
Line Reader / Students with attention difficulties orreading disabilities can use this to track their reading.
Masking / This involves blocking off content thatmay be distracting to the student.Students with attention difficulties, visual impairments, or learning disabilities may benefit from this support.
Universally Turn
Off tools / A student who is distracted easily may benefit from turning off some of the universal tools.
Table 5: Designated
Supports–Non-Embedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
Available for use by student when educator(s) indicates need
Color Contrast / Test content of online items is printed with different colors using Print on Demand.
Color Overlay / Color transparencies are placed over a printedassessment.Students with attention difficulties, visual impairments or other disabilities may benefit from this support. There should be evidence that the choice of colors meets the student’s needs.
Magnification / The student adjusts the size of specific areas of the screen beyond Zoom with an assistive device.
Noise Buffers / Used to reduce distraction.A student (not groups of students) may use earmufflers,whitenoise,and/or other equipmentto block externalsounds if regularly used in the classroom. Provide headphones for students using noise buffers unless tested individually in a separate setting.
Read-Aloud–English / Text is read aloud to the student by a trained and qualified test reader. Testreaders must follow the guidance provided in administration manuals. All or portions of the content may be read aloud. Refer to AppendixD.Students who are struggling readers, or who are blind and do not yet have Braille skills may benefit from this support. If not used regularly during instruction, this support is likely to be confusing and impede test performance. Provide readers to students on an individual basis – not to a group of students. A student may ask a reader to slow down or repeat text.
Read-Aloud–Student / Students who are beginning readers may need to hear themselves read in order to comprehend text. Students who tend to rush through assessments and not read text fully, may need to read the test aloud. This feature must be used in a one-on-one test setting.
Scribe / Students dictate their responses to a human who records verbatim what they dictate. The scribe must be trained and qualified, and must follow theguidelines in Appendix E Scribing and Transcribing Guidelines.Students who have documented motor or processing difficulties, or who have had a recent injury (such as a broken hand or arm) may need this support.
Separate Setting / The student takes the test in a different location. If students needs to test outside of school, such as in a hospital or their home, the DC contacts the State Test Coordinator for information.
Text-to-Speech / Text is read-aloud to the student via non-embedded technology that the student is familiar with. This support may be needed by students with reading-related disabilities, or whoareblindanddonotyethaveadequate Braille skills. This support will likely be confusing and may impede the performance of students who do not use this during instruction. Students who use text-to-speech will need headphones unless tested individually in a separate setting.
Translated–Test Directions / An adult or the student may read a PDF of translated test directions, which are located on the Assessment Office website at For languages not available via PDF, refer to Appendix D, Read Aloud Test Reader Guidelines.
Table 7: Accommodations Embedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
REQUIRES IEP or 504 PLAN
Streamline / This accommodation provides a streamlined interface of the test in an alternate, simplified format in which the items are displayed below the stimuli.
Table 8: Accommodations
Non – Embedded / Science Grades 5 and 8
REQUIRES IEP or 504 PLAN
Alternate
Response Options / Alternate response options include but are not limited to adapted keyboards, large keyboards, StickyKeys,MouseKeys, FilterKeys, adapted mouse, touch screen, headwand, and switches.Students with some physical disabilities may need to usethe alternate response options accommodation.
American Sign
Language (ASL) / Test content is translated into ASL by an ASL human signer and student views onscreen test content.
Calculator / Test directions identify items open to calculator use. In those instances TAs will make calculators available to students.Students with visual impairments who are unable to use the embedded calculator may use the calculator that they typically use, such as a Braille or talking calculator.
Print on Demand / Paper copies of either passages/stimuli and/or items are printed for students. A very smallpercentage of students should need thisaccommodation.
Speech-to-Text / Students may use their ownassistive technology devices.Students who have motor or processing disabilities (such asdyslexia) or who have had a recent injury that makes it difficult to write or use a keyboard may need alternative ways to work with computers.Students need to be familiar with the software, and havehad many opportunities to use it prior to testing.