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  STAAR
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  TELPAS
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 Assessments

For a student who meets the eligibility criterion, this designated support may be used on:

 Description of Designated Support

This designated support allows a student to use paper-based resources that assist in recalling information.

 Student Eligibility Criteria

A student may use this designated support if the student

 Authority for Decision and Required Documentation

 Examples and Types

Only the paper-based supplemental aids listed are allowed on the state assessment. The descriptions of each type are meant to guide districts in determining their appropriateness for the student and compliance with testing policy.

Note: TEA does not review, revise, or approve locally created supplemental aids.

ALL STAAR SUBJECTS and TELPAS TESTS

Mnemonic
Devices

A mnemonic device is a learning technique that assists with memory. Only mnemonic devices that are acronyms or phrases based on an acronym may be used. The subject-specific words that the mnemonic represents are NOT allowed. For example, the acronym "PEMDAS" or the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" may be used in mathematics to help a student recall the correct order of operations. However, the subject-specific words "Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction," as well as the mathematical symbols associated with the words, are not allowed. In English language arts, the acronym FANBOYS may be used to help a student recall the names of different coordinating conjunctions, but the names of the conjunctions themselves are not allowed. In social studies, the acronym "HOMES" may be used to help a student recall the names of the Great Lakes, but the names of the lakes are not allowed. In science, the acronym "ROY G. BIV" may be used to help a student recall the colors of the rainbow, but the actual colors or color words are not allowed.

Blank Graphic
Organizers

Blank graphic organizers may be used. Blank graphic organizers may NOT contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, pictures, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables. Images of blank graphic organizers that are visible to all students must be covered or removed from the testing environment prior to testing.

)Mathematics

Mathematics
Charts

  • A number chart (e.g., 100 chart) may be used. Indicating special numbers (e.g., highlighting or circling prime numbers within the body of the chart) is NOT allowed.

  • A grade-appropriate place value chart may be used. The chart may contain commas and decimals in the appropriate places; however, it may NOT contain place value labels (i.e., words) or numbers as specific examples.

Graphics

  • Pictorial models of fraction bars or fraction circles may be used. The models should NOT contain labels (e.g., labels that show individual fractions or equivalencies).

  • Grade- or course-appropriate pictorial models of one-, two-, and three-dimensional geometric figures may be used. However, the models may only be provided in two- or three- dimensional forms, not both. The figures may NOT contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables. Providing a pictorial model of a geometric figure in one form (e.g., net) and a manipulative of the same figure in another form (e.g., three- dimensional solid) is NOT allowed.

Reading Language Arts

Extended Constructed Responses ONLY

Grammar and Mechanics

  • A list of grade-appropriate grammar and mechanics rules may be used. The list may NOT contain any specific examples.

  • The test administrator must collect the list from the student once the student moves on to any other section of the test.

Science

Graphics

  • Graphics of scientific concepts may be used. The graphics may NOT contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables.

  • Formula triangles representing relationships between variables may be used. Only formulas that appear on the appropriate state-supplied reference materials may be represented. The triangles may include only variables; for example, a triangle showing the relationship between mass, density, and volume can contain only the variables m, D, and V. Symbols for mathematical operations (e.g., ×, ÷) are NOT allowed.

Social Studies

Graphics

  • Blank maps may be used. Blank maps may NOT contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, pictures, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables. In addition, unlabeled maps that represent historic events may be used (e.g., an unlabeled map that represents the stages of U.S. territorial expansion). A student can use both physical and political world or U.S. maps.

  • Timelines may be used if they contain only dates. Labeling the events connected with those dates in any way is NOT allowed.

 Special Instructions and Considerations

If you have any questions, contact the Student Assessment Help Desk at (512) 463-9536.