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Use of Output Device to Indicate an Answer

The student uses an output device to indicate the answer when each answer choice is presented individually. This accommodation may increase the student's ability to access information and produce more correct responses.

 

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 speech impairment autism physical disability traumatic brain injury response accommodation staar alternate 2 response mode significant cognitive disability

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Decide on the student’s output device they will use to answer questions.

    Decide on the student’s output device they will use to answer questions.

  • 2.

    Introduce the student to the device, allowing time for exploration and play. Set clear expectations for use and care of it.

    Introduce the student to the device, allowing time for exploration and play. Set clear expectations for use and care of it.

  • 3.

    Demonstrate how to use the device by modeling answering questions with it.

    Demonstrate how to use the device by modeling answering questions with it.

  • 4.

    Decide how the student will know it is time to access the device and respond.  

    Decide how the student will know it is time to access the device and respond.  

  • 5.

    Consult the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt. Prompt the student to access the device.

    Consult the student's IEP to determine the best way to prompt. Prompt the student to access the device.

  • 6.

    Present answer choices one at a time to the student during testing.

    Present answer choices one at a time to the student during testing.

  • 7.

    Wait at least five seconds for the student to respond.

    Wait at least five seconds for the student to respond.

  • 8.

    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.

  • 9.

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

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

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 verbal 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.