Accessibility Resources

The California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix lists the embedded and non-embedded universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations that are allowed as part of all CAASPP general and alternate assessments. To assist CAASPP users in implementing these accessibility resources, the Accessibility Guide is available, as is the CDE Student Accessibility Resources web page, which lists additional information about the resources available for the CAASPP assessments.

The general CAASPP assessments use the Smarter Balanced framework, the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines. The framework includes a variety of innovative universal tools that are embedded in the TDS as well as a variety of designated supports and accommodations.

Considerations were made for the individual assessments as well; these are described in table 1.

Table 1. Accessibility Considerations for the CAASPP
Assessment	Consideration
Smarter Balanced Summative	Smarter Balanced has crafted the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines, a comprehensive accessibility and accommodations framework for all students, including those with special assessment needs. The Consortium has also developed a variety of innovative universal tools that are embedded in the TDS as well as a variety of designated supports and accommodations.
CAST	The CAST uses the CAST Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing, which follows an approach consistent with the Smarter Balanced framework in the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines that are used for other CAASPP assessments. The approach includes a variety of innovative universal tools that are embedded in the TDS as well as a variety of designated supports and accommodations.
CAAs	Students provide responses to the assessments by using the mouse or keyboard if they are able. Students are encouraged to complete items as independently as possible. However, if needed, the TE is allowed to select the responses indicated by the student. Modes of communication may include gesture, eye gaze, an assistive communication device, or other means. The TE is encouraged to use the training tests to help determine the student’s mode of communication.
CSA	The CSA uses the CSA Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing, which follows an approach consistent with the Smarter Balanced framework in the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines that are used for other CAASPP assessments. The approach includes a variety of innovative universal tools that are embedded in the TDS as well as a variety of designated supports and accommodations.