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Type of Support | Accessibility Feature | Description | Allowed Examples | Not Allowed Examples |
Assistive Tools: Learning and Cognition Supports | Reading the Test Aloud | Students All students who use this accessibility feature are allowed to read the test aloud to themselves to facilitate comprehension. This also includes reading assistance for Only students taking STAAR grade 3 mathematics may receive reading assistance. |
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Blank Scratch Paper | Any blank medium that can be erased or destroyed may be used as blank scratch paper. If the medium has been manipulated to encourage the use of a specific strategy, then it does not fit the category of scratch paper and would instead be considered a blank graphic organizer. |
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Embedded Sticky Notes Tool | The embedded sticky notes tool allows a student to add notes about a test question in the online test. A sticky note is accessed from the question where it was created. | A student leaves a test question unanswered and uses the sticky notes tool to make notes about the question for later use. | A student uses the sticky notes tool for notes that he wants to access on later test questions. | |
Embedded Notepad Tool | The notepad tool allows a student to write notes that can be accessed from any page in the online test. | A student uses the notepad tool to write down things she wants to remember throughout the test. | A student uses the notepad tool to write her constructed response but does not transfer the response to the actual item. | |
Assistive Technology: Hearing Supports | Amplification Devices
| Devices that amplify sounds to louder levels
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| A student who uses external speakers to amplify TTS is in a testing room with other students.
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Assistive Technology: Visual Supports | Color Settings | Color settings for online tests and colored overlays for paper tests are used by some students to improve the processing of visual information. |
| A student uses a colored overlay that has boxes, text, or symbols on it. |
Line Reader | The line reader tool for online tests and blank place markers for paper tests focus attention on one line at a time and assist with tracking while reading. |
| A student uses a ruler or other straight edge with markings or symbols to track paragraph lines on a paper test. | |
Zoom Feature
| The zoom feature for online tests and magnifying devices for paper tests enlarge the test content.
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| A student is given a magnifier that he has never before used in class. | |
Highlighters and Colored Pencils
| Highlighters, colored pencils, or any other tool that can help focus attention on text may be used.
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| A student who does not normally use highlighters in class is told to use them for specific testing strategies. | |
Large Mouse Pointer | The large mouse pointer feature allows a student to choose from 11 different size and color options for the online test. | A student chooses an extra-large green mouse pointer on the Choose Settings screen before starting an online test. | A student who does not need visual supports is required to use a large mouse pointer. | |
Projection Devices | Projection devices enlarge the test content. |
| A student’s test is enlarged using a projection device in a testing room with other students. | |
Assistive Technology: Focus and Attention Supports
| Tools to Minimize Distractions or Maintain Focus | Tools that minimize distractions or help a student maintain focus are allowed during a test administration as long as test security is maintained. |
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Assistive Technology: Applications | Permissive Mode | Permissive Mode allows a student to use non-embedded assistive technology to complete tests in the Secure Browser application. | A student who meets the eligibility criteria for spelling assistance chooses to use a predictive text application he uses during classroom assignments during a test administration, instead of the embedded word-prediction tool. |
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Use of an Electronic Device to Monitor a Health Condition
| A student's electronic device may be used to monitor a health condition. Test security must be maintained.
| During a test administration, a student places her mobile phone on her desk to monitor her glucose levels through an app on the phone. Because the phone is on the student’s desk, the test administrator is able to monitor phone use. | A student is allowed to keep his mobile phone in his backpack and take it out periodically to monitor his glucose levels through an app. Because the phone is not continuously accessible, the test administrator is not able to monitor phone use. | |
Language Supports | Signing Test Directions | Test directions for an online or paper administration can be signed to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing. | Upon request, a trained test administrator signs the test directions to a student who is deaf. | A teacher who is not trained in administration procedures signs the test directions to a student who is deaf. |
Translating Test Directions | Test directions can be translated into the native language of an emergent bilingual (EB) student. |
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Bilingual Dictionary | The use of a bilingual dictionary is allowed for STAAR mathematics, science, and social studies assessments. Bilingual dictionaries used in these cases should include only word-to-word translations. Note: For information regarding the use of bilingual dictionaries on the STAAR reading language arts (RLA) assessments, please refer to the STAAR Dictionary Policy. | A student uses a hard copy word-to-word bilingual dictionary during a mathematics, science, or social studies assessment. |
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Setting Supports | Individual Test Administration
| A student receives an individual test administration with a test administrator.
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| An individual student sits at a desk in the front of a full testing room so that a test administrator can help the student as needed. |
Small Group Administration
| Students are tested in small groups that mirror classroom testing situations based on individual student needs.
| Students who regularly receive small group administrations in the classroom are given the STAAR or TELPAS test together in a separate session away from the other students in the class. The total number of students in this group is less than the number of students in their regular classroom setting for that subject. |
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Timing Supports | Reminding Students to Stay on Task
| The test administrator may remind students to stay on task during a test administration.
| A test administrator reminds a student who is staring off into the distance to get back to work on the test. |
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