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Dictionary

Using a dictionary to enhance written assignments and reading comprehension, particularly for a student that struggles with comprehension, vocabulary, or spelling.

 

Allowable on at least one state assessment Allowable on state assessment: This accommodation is allowable on at least one state assessment. See which tests allow this accommodation

Assistive Technology Assistive Technology (AT): This accommodation includes AT. Be sure AT needs are included as accommodations on the IEP and that the PEIMS code reflects this.

response accommodation sld-written expression staar spanish staar

Examples Include:

  • STAAR Dictionary Policy

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  • Standard monolingual dictionaries in English or the language most appropriate for the student

  • Dictionary/thesaurus combinations

  • Bilingual dictionaries (word-to-word translations, no definitions or examples)

  • ESL dictionaries (definition of an English word using simplified English)

  • Sign language dictionaries

  • Picture dictionaries

  • Dictionary applications on a tablet, laptop, or desktop 

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Identify the appropriate dictionary support, based on your knowledge of the student’s needs and a review of the student’s IEP.

    Identify the appropriate dictionary support, based on your knowledge of the student’s needs and a review of the student’s IEP.

  • 2.

    Choose the specific dictionary option for the student and prepare any additional materials to support dictionary use (place markers, etc.).

    Choose the specific dictionary option for the student and prepare any additional materials to support dictionary use (place markers, etc.).

  • 3.

    Model using the dictionary for the student by thinking aloud.

    Model using the dictionary for the student by thinking aloud.

  • 4.

    Lead guided practice using the dictionary.

    Lead guided practice using the dictionary.

  • 5.

    Assign and monitor independent practice using the dictionary, offering immediate supportive and corrective feedback.

    Assign and monitor independent practice using the dictionary, offering immediate supportive and corrective feedback.

  • 6.

    Monitor and record the student’s progress and the effectiveness of the accommodation.

    Monitor and record the student’s progress and the effectiveness of the accommodation.

  • 7.

    Share progress and effectiveness with the student, the educational team, and the family.

    Share progress and effectiveness with the student, the educational team, and the family.

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Review the TEA policy document for details about allowable use of dictionaries during test administration. 

Review the TEA Technology Guidelines to ensure any device or software is appropriate for state assessment use. 

State Assessment
Allowability

Some accommodations appropriate for instructional use may not be allowable on a statewide assessment. Select the state assessment to view the implementation policies.

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STAAR + –

Dictionaries must be available to all students taking:

  • STAAR grades 3–8 RLA
  • STAAR English I and English II
STAAR Spanish + –

Dictionaries must be available to all students taking:

  • STAAR Spanish grades 3–5 RLA