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Isolating Answer Choices

Giving answer choices one at a time to a student with a significant cognitive disability.

 

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.

intellectual disability deafblind multi-handicapped visual impairment autism response accommodation staar alternate 2 response mode

Example:

  • Using calendar boxes or tubs in which answer choices are arranged in a left to right sequence.

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Decide how the isolated answer choice will be presented to the student, such as in a calendar box or tub.

    Decide how the isolated answer choice will be presented to the student, such as in a calendar box or tub.

  • 2.

    Use the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt the student and how to adjust your prompting, as needed.

    Use the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt the student and how to adjust your prompting, as needed.

  • 3.

    Prompt the student to answer a question.

    Prompt the student to answer a question.

  • 4.

    Present answer choices in isolation.

    Present answer choices in isolation.

  • 5.

    Wait at least five seconds for the student to respond.

    Wait at least five seconds for the student to respond.

  • 6.

    Monitor and record the level of your prompting, the accuracy of the student's responses, and the student's engagement to judge instructional effectiveness.

    Monitor and record the level of your prompting, the accuracy of the student's responses, and the student's engagement to judge instructional effectiveness.

  • 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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Note: Review the STAAR Alternate 2 Test Administrator Manual for presentation instructions during test administration.

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 Alternate 2 + –

May be used as a form of physical response if the accommodation is documented in the student's IEP and follows these guidelines:

  • maintain the integrity of the assessment,

  • avoid leading to or providing the student a direct answer,

  • be used routinely in instruction,

  • reflect the student’s learning styles, and

  • allow a student to respond using a mode that is appropriate for the student.