Types of Resources

The initial, interim, and summative assessments and practice and training tests contain universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. Embedded resources are those that are part of the online TDS, whereas non-embedded resources are provided by the LEA outside of the TDS. All accessibility resources are listed and described in the California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix, which is the definitive source of details about the accessibility resources available for CAASPP and ELPAC. The information in this manual complements the Matrix.

The accessibility resources in this guide are identified as universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. These resources are available for the listed, approved assessments and do not change the construct of what is being assessed. Students who receive these accessibility resources will receive a valid score. There is no penalty to the LEA for assigning these resources.

To help identify similarities between the assessment resources and classroom practices, Smarter Balanced has an Accessibility Strategies web page on the Tools for Teachers website. A user has the option of searching for a specific accessibility resource for additional information about how instructional strategies are used in assessments. Alternatively, visit the Accessibility Resources web page on the CAASPP & ELPAC Website for more information on accessibility resources for testing.

Available Assessments

Accessibility resources are available for both CAASPP and ELPAC.

CAASPP

The CAASPP is a system of assessments that includes the required assessments in ELA, mathematics, and science that permit students to demonstrate their mastery of the Common Core State Standards and the California Next Generation Science Standards. Also included in the CAASPP system is an optional assessment, the CSA, which measures a student’s competency in Spanish language arts.

Assessments are made accessible to all students through a variety of universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations.

Students whose IEP teams designate the use of an alternate assessment take the CAAs to demonstrate mastery of the alternate achievement standards. Since the CAAs are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student and the student’s needs, some listed accessibility resources may not be necessary or supported by the test design. Note that a student assigned to take the CAAs will be automatically assigned to take the alternate assessments for ELPAC, as needed.

ELPAC

ELPAC is a system of assessments that is aligned with the 2012 California ELD Standards.

The Initial ELPAC is the mandated state assessment for ELP that is given to students whose primary language is a language other than English, as indicated in the home language survey completed when they first enroll in a California public school. The purpose of the Initial ELPAC is to determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time. The Initial ELPAC is a computer-based assessment for all grade levels and domains except for K–2 Writing, which is a PPT.

The Summative ELPAC is the mandated state assessment for determining the ongoing progress of students’ ELP status. It is a computer-based assessment for all grade levels and domains except for K–2 Writing, which is a PPT, and must be given annually to students who have been identified as EL students. California and federal law require that LEAs administer a state assessment of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve annually until they become eligible for reclassification.

Existing CAASPP accessibility resources contributed to the development of an ELPAC accessibility framework specific for this population. This approach ensures all students have the opportunity to show what they know and what they can do in English. Resources that were appropriate for the construct being measured were considered, as well as new resources that are specific to the needs of the diverse students taking ELPAC.

The Initial Alternate ELPAC is the state-mandated standardized measure of ELP for potential EL students identified with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The Summative Alternate ELPAC is the state-mandated standardized measure of ELP for the same population. Both the Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are aligned with the 2012 ELD Standards via the ELD Connectors, which are reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity for this specific population.

Each assessment is administered to an individual student by a trained test examiner, typically the student’s teacher. The Initial Alternate ELPAC and the Summative Alternate ELPAC are designed to assess the four domains via integrated receptive (Listening and Reading) items and expressive (Speaking and Writing) items that allow students to use their individually preferred communication modes to ensure eligible students can fully access and participate in the assessments. Accessibility resources for the Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are provided using the same ELPAC framework.

Since the Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student and the student’s needs, some listed accessibility resources may not be necessary or supported by the test design.

Available Accessibility Resources

The following accessibility resources and test settings for CAASPP and ELPAC computer-based testing are described in the next subsections. Note that usage and description information is adapted from the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines. Note also that the samples provided are screen captures made using publicly available practice tests.

The non-embedded accessibility resources for paper–pencil testing are described in the Appendix A: Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations section of the CAASPP Paper–Pencil Test Administration Manual; and the Accessibility Resources subsection of the PPT Administration Information section of the ELPAC Online Test Administration Manual.

Universal Tools

Universal tools are available for all students taking the listed, approved assessments and do not change the construct of what is being assessed. Students who receive these accessibility resources will receive a valid score. Universal tools are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).

Embedded

Select a resource link in table 1 to access its description. In the embedded universal tools table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 1. Embedded Universal Tools for the General Assessments

Embedded Universal Tool ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

Breaks (Computer-based Assessments)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Calculator, Mathematics (Selected Items)

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Calculator, Science (Selected Items)

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Digital Notepad

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

English Dictionary (Writing)

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

English Glossary

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

English Thesaurus

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Expandable Items

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Expandable Passages

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Global Notes (Writing)

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Highlighter

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Keyboard Navigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Line Reader

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Mark for Review

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Mathematics Tools

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Science Charts

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Science Tools

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Spanish Glossary

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Spell Check

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Strikethrough

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Writing Tools

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Zoom

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Select a resource link in table 2 to access its description. In the embedded universal tools table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 2. Embedded Universal Tools for the Alternate Assessments

Embedded Universal Tool CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

Breaks (Computer-based Assessments)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Calculator, Mathematics (Selected Items)

No

No

No

No

Calculator, Science (Selected Items)

No

No

No

No

Digital Notepad

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

English Dictionary (Writing)

No

No

No

No

English Glossary

No

No

No

No

English Thesaurus

No

No

No

No

Expandable Items

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Expandable Passages

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Global Notes (Writing)

No

No

No

No

Highlighter

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Keyboard Navigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Line Reader

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Mark for Review

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Mathematics Tools

No

No

No

No

Science Charts

No

No

No

No

Science Tools

No

No

No

No

Spanish Glossary

No

No

No

No

Spell Check

No

No

No

No

Strikethrough

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Writing Tools

No

No

No

No

Zoom

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Non-Embedded

Select a resource link in table 3 to access its description. In the non-embedded universal tools table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

The single asterisk (*) indicates that the universal tool is available for ELPAC PPTs.

Table 3. Non-Embedded Universal Tools for the General Assessments

Non-Embedded Universal Tool ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

Breaks (Computer-based Assessments, PPTs, and PPT Emergency Forms)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

English Dictionary (Writing)

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

English Thesaurus

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Highlighter

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Line Reader

No

No

No

No

Yes*

No

Mark for Review

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Yes

Oral Clarification of Test Directions in English

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Scratch Paper

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Strikethrough

No

No

No

No

Yes*

No

Test Navigation Assistant

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Select a resource link in table 4 to access its description. In the non-embedded universal tools table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 4. Non-Embedded Universal Tools for the Alternate Assessments

Non-Embedded Universal Tool CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

Breaks (Computer-based Assessments, PPTs, and PPT Emergency Forms)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

English Dictionary (Writing)

No

No

No

No

English Thesaurus

No

No

No

No

Highlighter

No

No

No

No

Line Reader

No

No

No

No

Mark for Review

No

No

No

No

Oral Clarification of Test Directions in English

No

No

No

Yes

Scratch Paper

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Strikethrough

No

No

No

No

Test Navigation Assistant

No

No

No

Yes

Designated Supports

Designated supports are available for use by any student for whom the need has been indicated by an educator or team of educators (with parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate). They are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).

Embedded

Select a resource link in table 5 to access its description. In the embedded designated supports table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 5. Embedded Designated Supports for the General Assessments

Embedded Designated Support ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

100s Number Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Color Contrast

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Masking

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Mouse Pointer (Size and Color)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Multiplication Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain)

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain)

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Permissive Mode (Setting)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Print Size (Setting)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Streamline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Text-to-Speech

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Text-to-Speech in Spanish

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Translation Glossaries

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Translations (Spanish Stacked–Dual Language)

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Turn Off Any Universal Tools

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Select a resource link in table 6 to access its description. In the embedded designated supports table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 6. Embedded Designated Supports for the Alternate Assessments

Embedded Designated Support CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

100s Number Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

Color Contrast

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Masking

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Mouse Pointer (Size and Color)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Multiplication Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain)

No

No

No

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain)

No

No

No

No

Permissive Mode (Setting)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Print Size (Setting)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Streamline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Text-to-Speech

No

No

No

No

Text-to-Speech in Spanish

No

No

No

No

Translation Glossaries

No

No

No

No

Translations (Spanish Stacked–Dual Language)

No

No

No

No

Turn Off Any Universal Tools

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Non-Embedded

Select a resource link in table 7 to access its description. In the non-embedded designated supports table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

The single asterisk (*) indicates that the read-aloud items designated support is only available for the Writing domain for the Initial ELPAC and the Summative ELPAC and for CSA items. The two asterisks (**) indicate that the pause or replay audio designated support is available for ELPAC PPTs in the Listening domain (all) and Speaking domain (grades three through twelve) only.

Table 7. Non-Embedded Designated Supports for the General Assessments

Non-Embedded Designated Support ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

100s Number Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Amplification

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bilingual Dictionary

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Calculator, Science (Selected Items)

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Color Overlay

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Designated Interface Assistant

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Magnification

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Masking

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Medical Supports

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Multiplication Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Noise Buffers

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain)

No

No

No

No

Yes**

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain)

No

No

No

No

Yes**

No

Print-on-Demand

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Printed Test Directions in English

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Read Aloud

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes*

Yes*

Yes

Read Aloud in Spanish

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Science Charts

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Scribe Items (items only [non-PT full write])

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Separate Setting

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Simplified Test Directions

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Translated Test Directions

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Translated Test Directions in American Sign Language

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Translated Test Directions in American Sign Language or Manually Coded English

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Translation Glossaries

No

Yes**

Yes**

No

No

No

Select a resource link in table 8 to access its description. In the non-embedded designated supports table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 8. Non-Embedded Designated Supports for the Alternate Assessments

Non-Embedded Designated Support CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

100s Number Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

Amplification

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Bilingual Dictionary

No

No

No

No

Calculator, Science (Selected Items)

No

No

No

No

Designated Interface Assistant

No

No

No

Yes

Magnification

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Masking

No

No

No

Yes

Medical Supports

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Multiplication Table, Science

No

No

Yes

No

Noise Buffers

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pause or Replay Audio (Listening Domain)

No

No

No

No

Pause or Replay Audio (Speaking Domain)

No

No

No

No

Print-on-Demand

No

No

No

Yes

Printed Test Directions in English

No

No

No

No

Read Aloud

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Read Aloud in Spanish

No

No

No

No

Science Charts

No

No

No

No

Scribe Items (items only [non-PT full write])

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Separate Setting

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Simplified Test Directions

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Translated Test Directions

No

No

No

No

Translated Test Directions in American Sign Language

No

No

No

No

Translated Test Directions in American Sign Language or Manually Coded English

No

No

No

Yes

Translation Glossaries

No

No

No

No

Accommodations

Accommodations are changes in procedures or materials that increase equitable access during CAASPP or ELPAC administration. Assessment accommodations will allow these students to show what they know and can do. Students assessed using accommodations will receive a valid score. Accommodations are available for assignment to students when the use of the resource is documented in the student’s IEP. They are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).

Accommodations do not compromise the learning expectations, construct, grade-level standard, or intended outcome of the assessments.

Embedded

Select a resource link in table 9 to access its description. In the embedded accommodations table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

The single asterisk (*) indicates that this American Sign Language accommodation is available for the Speaking and Listening domains of the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC. The two asterisks (**) indicate that the closed-captioning accommodation is available for the listening portion of the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and the CSA. The three asterisks (***) indicate that the text-to-speech accommodation is available for the ELPAC Speaking and Writing domains only.

Table 9. Embedded Accommodations for the General Assessments

Embedded Accommodation ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

100s Number Table, Mathematics

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

American Sign Language

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes*

No

Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript)

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Braille

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Closed-Captioning

Yes**

No

No

Yes**

Yes

No

Multiplication Table, Mathematics

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Speech-to-Text

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Text-to-Speech (Reading Passages)

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes***

No

Word Completion

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Select a resource link in table 10 to access its description. In the embedded accommodations table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 10. Embedded Accommodations for the Alternate Assessments

Embedded Accommodation CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

100s Number Table, Mathematics

No

Yes

No

No

American Sign Language

No

No

No

No

Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript)

No

No

No

No

Braille

No

No

No

No

Closed-Captioning

No

No

No

No

Multiplication Table, Mathematics

No

Yes

No

No

Speech-to-Text

No

No

No

No

Text-to-Speech (Reading Passages)

No

No

No

No

Word Completion

No

No

No

No

Non-Embedded

Select a resource link in table 11 to access its description. In the non-embedded accommodations table for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics, CAST, CSA, and Summative and Initial ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

The single asterisk (*) indicates that the American Sign Language accommodation is available for the Speaking and Listening domains of the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC. The double asterisks (**) indicate that the scribe writing accommodation is available for the PT full-write portion of the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA. The three asterisks (***) indicate that the audio transcript (includes braille transcript) accommodation is available for ELPAC PPTs in grades three through twelve only.

Table 11. Non-Embedded Accommodations for the General Assessments

Non-Embedded Accommodation ELA Math CAST CSA ELPAC ELPAC (K–2 Writing)

100s Number Table (Mathematics)

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Abacus

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Additional Instructional Supports and Resources for Alternate Assessments

No

No

No

No

No

No

Alternate Response Options

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

American Sign Language or Manually Coded English

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Yes

Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript)

No

No

No

No

Yes***

No

Braille

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Breaks

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Calculator, Mathematics (Grades Six and Above)

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Large Print

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Multiplication Table, Mathematics (Grades Four and Above)

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Print-on-Demand

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Read Aloud (Reading Passages)

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Scribe (Writing)

Yes**

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sensory Items

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Speech-to-Text

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Word Completion

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Word Processor (Writing)

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Select a resource link in table 12 to access its description. In the non-embedded accommodations table for the CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science and the Alternate ELPAC, “Yes” indicates that the resource is available during testing, and “No” indicates that the resource is not available during testing.

Table 12. Non-Embedded Accommodations for Alternate Assessments

Non-Embedded Accommodation CAA for ELA CAA for Math CAA for Science Alternate ELPAC

100s Number Table (Mathematics)

No

Yes

No

No

Abacus

No

Yes

Yes

No

Additional Instructional Supports and Resources for Alternate Assessments

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Alternate Response Options

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

American Sign Language or Manually Coded English

No

No

No

Yes

Audio Transcript (Includes Braille Transcript)

No

No

No

No

Braille

No

No

No

No

Breaks

No

No

No

Yes

Calculator, Mathematics (Grades Six and Above)

No

No

No

No

Large Print

No

No

No

No

Multiplication Table, Mathematics (Grades Four and Above)

No

Yes

No

No

Print-on-Demand

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Read Aloud (Reading Passages)

Yes

No

No

No

Scribe (Writing)

Yes

No

No

No

Sensory Items

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Speech-to-Text

No

No

No

No

Word Completion

No

No

No

No

Word Processor (Writing)

No

No

No

No