Mathematics Scribe

Recording scratch work and computations for a student whose disability precludes them from completing these tasks independently.

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

orthopedic impairment response accommodation visual impairment staar spanish staar

Examples Include:

Writing a student’s dictated math scratch work and computations on scratch paper, a chalkboard, white board, or in the student’s test booklet.
When a student uses a calculation aid as an allowable designated support or a required part of the test administration procedures, the test administrator may record intermediate steps.

How to Implement:

1.
Refer to the student’s IEP to help determine when the student will receive math-scribing assistance on assignments and tests.

Refer to the student’s IEP to help determine when the student will receive math-scribing assistance on assignments and tests.
2.
Ensure the student can give proper description regarding the materials to be scribed.

Ensure the student can give proper description regarding the materials to be scribed.
3.
Educate the student on proper protocol, provide practice time before using for a test or assignment, and discuss implementation with the student.

Educate the student on proper protocol, provide practice time before using for a test or assignment, and discuss implementation with the student.
4.
Model using the process with a think-aloud strategy.

Model using the process with a think-aloud strategy.
5.
Lead guided practice using the process, providing immediate supportive and corrective feedback.

Lead guided practice using the process, providing immediate supportive and corrective feedback.
6.
Assign and monitor independent student work that includes solving problems with a scribe.

Assign and monitor independent student work that includes solving problems with a scribe.
7.
Monitor and record the student’s progress and the effectiveness of the scribing.

Monitor and record the student’s progress and the effectiveness of the scribing.
8.
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.

Note: Review the TEA policy document for allowable use of a mathematics scribe 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 + –

Type: Designated Support Requiring TEA Approval

Learn more about the accommodation request process.

Assessments:

STAAR grades 3–8 mathematics, Algebra I, and Algebra II
STAAR grades 5 and 8 science and Biology
STAAR Spanish grades 3–5 mathematics
STAAR Spanish grade 5 science

Student Eligibility Criteria:

Submit an Accommodation Request Form to TEA if the student:

❏ routinely and effectively uses this designated support during classroom instruction and classroom testing,

❏ is unable to effectively use any accessibility features (e.g., various sizes or types of scratch paper/another workspace) or locally approved designated supports (e.g., calculation aid) to address this need, and

❏ meets at least one of the following.

The student has an impairment in vision (e.g., uncorrected vision, nystagmus, qualifies for special education services with a Visual Impairment [VI]) that necessitates the use of braille or large-print test materials.
The student has a physically disabling condition (e.g., muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, arthritis) that prevents him or her from independently and effectively recording scratch work and computations.
The student has a developmental disability that is included on the autism spectrum.

STAAR Spanish + –