For Windows 11 22H2 and later, Windows Speech Recognition will be replaced by Windows Voice Access starting in September 2024. Students may continue to use Windows Speech Recognition if it is available on their device.
Student Sign-In
Text-to-speech has been added to the student sign-in workflow and is available for all students who select the [Read Page] button on the Student Sign-In and subsequent pages
The text-to-speech that can be used while the student is signing in does not apply to the student’s assessment once the student enters the assessment.
The workflow language changes to Spanish once the student opts to take the CSA. A student taking the CSA must have a Spanish voice pack installed.
Designated Supports
The definition of the embedded mark for review universal tool was updated to include test examiner assistance for students taking the ELPAC or CAAs.
Color contrast with print-on-demand is no longer listed as a non-embedded designated support because the system does not support the production of printable materials in the selected display contrast.
The embedded text-to-speech and text-to-speech in Spanish designated supports were enhanced in the following ways:
They include line tracking, which causes the entire line to be highlighted lightly. In addition, each word that is spoken is highlighted in a contrasting color as it is read aloud.
A student selects the [TTS] speaker icon (instead of a word from the context menu) to use this resource.
Any warning or advisory pop-up boxes can also be read aloud after a student selects the [TTS] speaker icon on the box.
Accommodations
The definition of non-embedded alternate response options accommodation was expanded to include AAC devices.
A student’s means of access to the American Sign Language embedded accommodation was updated to use the [American Sign Language] hands icon instead of the context menu.
The embedded text-to-speech accommodation was enhanced in the following ways:
It includes line tracking, which causes the entire line to be highlighted lightly. In addition, each word that is spoken is highlighted in a contrasting color as it is read aloud.
A student selects the [TTS] speaker icon (instead of a word from the context menu) to use this resource.
Any warning or advisory pop-up boxes can also be read aloud after a student selects the [TTS] speaker icon on the box.
The embedded and non-embedded accommodation “word prediction” was renamed to “word completion.”
CAASPP
Universal Tools
The definition of non-embedded scratch paper was clarified to state that graph paper can be used by a student in any grade level taking the mathematics assessment.
Designated Support
The use of read aloud for CSA items was redesignated from a non-embedded accommodation to a non-embedded designated support.
The use of the non-embedded read aloud in Spanish designated support was updated to specify that this resource is not applicable to the CSA.
The definition of embedded translations (Spanish stacked–dual language) for the CAST was updated to specify that some item responses are provided in either English or Spanish, but not both languages.
Accommodations
The definition of embedded speech-to-text in Spanish was expanded to note that Spanish is available for the Smarter Balanced for Mathematics and CAST.
The definition of non-embedded speech-to-text in Spanish was expanded to note that Spanish is available for the Smarter Balanced for Mathematics and CAST.
The non-embedded braille HAT has a raised-line graphics option (in addition to embossed graphics) that can be ordered by contacting the LEA’s Success Agent. Materials are available only for students in the LEA who have the braille accommodation assigned.
ELPAC
The definition of the embedded pause or replay designated support has been expanded to include a recommendation that it should not be assigned globally to students who take the ELPAC.
