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Writing or Typing Responses

The student writes or types the answer to a question or prompt instead of verbally responding or physically completing a task. This accommodation provides expressive language support for a student with a significant cognitive disability. The student may need adaptations to the pencil, paper, paper positioning, or keyboard.

 

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.

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How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Prepare the materials that the student will use to provide a response: pencil, paper, keyboard, or other response materials.

    Prepare the materials that the student will use to provide a response: pencil, paper, keyboard, or other response materials.

  • 2.

    Prepare the materials that will represent answer choices. Consult the student's IEP to determine how many answer choices to offer.

    Prepare the materials that will represent answer choices. Consult the student's IEP to determine how many answer choices to offer.

  • 3.

    Decide how the student will know that it is time to respond. Consult the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt.

    Decide how the student will know that it is time to respond. Consult the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt.

  • 4.

    Prompt the student to answer a question and present the answer choices one at a time.

    Prompt the student to answer a question and present the answer choices one at a time.

  • 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 student's responses, and the student's engagement to judge instructional effectiveness.

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

  • 7.

    Share your findings with the student, the educational team, and their family.

    Share your findings with the student, the educational team, and their family.

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Note: Review 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.