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Supplemental Aids: Math Graphics

Pictorial models to support math concepts, especially for students with memory retrieval, focus or organizational challenges

 

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

presentation accommodation sld-math calculation sld-math problem-solving adhd/add staar spanish traumatic brain injury other health impairment staar

Examples Include:

  • Fraction bars provide visual illustrations of fraction-based mathematical operations. 

  • Fraction circles are sets of nine colored circles, each broken into fractional parts of a same-sized whole to give a visual illustration of fractions. 

  • Number lines provide a quick visual reference for adding and subtracting positive and/or negative numbers.

  • Geometric figures (two and three-dimensional) can serve as a reference for problems that involve shapes.

  • Coordinate grids (two and three-dimensional) with the slope or parabola graphed can help students visualize and solve graph problems.

  • Geometric angles and lines can be provided to aid students in problem solving.

  • STAAR Stuff!

    Check out this helpful video about six supplemental aids allowed for use on the 3rd - 8th grade math STAAR, and on the Algebra I and Algrebra II STAAR.

    play video

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Select and create math graphics that relate to manipulatives the student has been using.

    Select and create math graphics that relate to manipulatives the student has been using.

  • 2.

    Provide the student with the manipulatives and math graphics side by side at first.

    Provide the student with the manipulatives and math graphics side by side at first.

  • 3.

    Introduce the student to the math graphics, allowing time for exploration and play.

    Introduce the student to the math graphics, allowing time for exploration and play.

  • 4.

    Set clear rules and expectations for when the student can use math graphics.

    Set clear rules and expectations for when the student can use math graphics.

  • 5.

    Demonstrate using the math graphics by thinking aloud with the student.

    Demonstrate using the math graphics by thinking aloud with the student.

  • 6.

    Lead guided practice, solving problems with the math graphics.  Provide immediate supportive and corrective feedback.

    Lead guided practice, solving problems with the math graphics.  Provide immediate supportive and corrective feedback.

  • 7.

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

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

  • 8.

    When the student is successful with the math graphic, remove the manipulative.

    When the student is successful with the math graphic, remove the manipulative.

  • 9.

    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.

Math Graphics

Each of our math graphics examples include a teach version, test version, and information about how to scaffold the use of these supplemental aids in the classroom.

Directions on How to Access Files:
  1. Select the resource to open in Google Drive
  2. To edit this file, you'll need to make a copy of it to your Google Drive (File-> Make a Copy). You must be logged into your Google account to make a copy.
  3. You'll be prompted to rename the file and then the new editable version will automatically open up in a new tab.

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

Review the TEA training-Allowable Supplemental Aids Presentation on supplemental aids to see examples and non-examples.

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 

Assessments: Grade 3-8 Math, Algebra I, and Algebra II

Student Eligibility Criteria:

  • he or she routinely, independently, and effectively uses this accommodation during classroom instruction and classroom testing.
STAAR Spanish + –

same as STAAR