Accessibility Resources

Accessibility resources are features or supports that are part of the assessment and are provided either as digitally delivered components of the secure browser (embedded resources) or separate from the secure browser (non-embedded resources). Accessibility resources allow students to participate in an assessment that results in a fair and accurate estimate of each student’s achievement.

Resource Types

Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations

Universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations are available for the ELPAC. Students may use the embedded universal tools within the TDS, but also have the option to use non-embedded universal tools. The accommodations and designated supports for the ELPAC must be assigned in the student test settings section of TOMS based on the student’s current IEP or Section 504 plan. Use of accommodations and designated supports does not change the construct of the assessment or affect the overall score.

For the Writing domain for K–2, which is administered using paper Answer Books, non-embedded universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations are available. Designated supports for Initial ELPAC can be assigned in the TA interface prior to testing. Designated supports for the Summative ELPAC and accommodations for both assessments for students in K–2 taking the Writing domain need to be assigned in TOMS.

Unlisted Resources

Unlisted resources are non-embedded supports identified in an IEP or Section 504 plan for an eligible student and provided to the student locally. When requesting the use of an unlisted resource, the CDE will determine whether the resource changes the construct of what is being measured. Unlisted resource requests are made in the "Test Settings” section of TOMS 10 business days before the student’s first day of testing. Students using an unlisted resource that changes the construct of the assessment will be assigned the LOSS.

Pause or Replay Designated Support

Pause or replay is a feature in the ELPAC that allows TEs or students to slow down or stop audio momentarily during administration. Pause or replay is available as a designated support in the Listening domain and on any of the Summarize an Academic Presentation items in the Speaking domain on the computer-based and emergency paper–pencil Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC. (This designated support is not available on the Initial Alternate ELPAC or the Summative Alternate ELPAC because these tests are administered to students one-on-one, and the TE reads the items to the student, repeating content as needed.)

When administering the ELPAC, the mass assignment of pause or replay is not recommended, as it defeats the purpose of measuring a student’s proficiency on the Listening and Speaking items and may prematurely exit students from necessary EL programs and services.

For more information on accessibility features available in the ELPAC, visit the CDE CA Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix web page.

Accessibility Guidelines and Resources

There are a number of sources of information available to assist in understanding, assigning, and using accessibility resources during ELPAC testing.