What accessibility features are available on the Universal Screeners?

What accessibility features are available on the Universal Screeners?

What are Accessibility Features?

Features that enhance accessibility to learners are essential to meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners as well as learners who are receiving special education, English language development, and related services.

How Do Accessibility Features Work on the Universal Screeners?

Features included in Classworks Assessment content are categorized as Universal or Designated. Universal features are available to all learners. Designated features are activated for specific students as part of a decision-making process. Classworks strongly recommends using a consistent process that ensures that all learners receive the appropriate level of support. 

 What are Universal Features?

Universal features are accessibility supports available to all students as they complete Classworks’ assessment content. There are two types of Universal features; embedded and non-embedded. 
  1. Embedded features are available digitally within the program
  2. Non-embedded features are provided locally
Universal features are intended to benefit a wide range of students and can be used at the student's discretion. 

Embedded Universal Features

Feature
Description
Amplification (Audio amplification, increased volume, audio aids)  
The student raises and lowers the volume control, as needed, using headphones with audio-eligible items.

Default Text-to-Speech for eligible question elements is an Embedded Universal Feature on each Kindergarten through 2nd-grade reading screener and each kindergarten through 5th-grade math screener. All students have access to this feature as it is the default setting for all students.
Keyboard Navigation (keyboard shortcuts and two switch system 
The student navigates through test content using the keyboard (e.g., the arrow keys). This feature may differ depending on the testing platform. Includes adaptive technology keyboards.
Zoom (item level)
The student enlarges the size of text and graphics on a given screen. This allows students to view material magnified on as needed basis.

The student enlarges test content as permitted by their device. The system allows magnifying features to work in conjunction with other provided accessibly features.

Non-embedded Universal Features

Feature
Description
Breaks (frequent breaks)
The student takes breaks, when needed, to reduce cognitive fatique. This may result in the student needing additional time to complete the assessment.
English Dictionary
The student uses an English dictionary, if necessary. This may result in the student needing additional time to complete the assessment.
Noise Buffer (headphones, audio aids)
The student uses noise buffers to minimize distractions or filter external noises during testing. Noise buffers must be compatible with the requirements of the test
Note Pad or Scratch Paper (blank paper)
The student uses scratch paper or an individual erasable whiteboard to make notes or record responses. The school must also provide a marker, pen, or pencil. All scratch paper must be collected and securely destroyed at the end of each test to maintain test security.

The student uses an assistive technology device to take notes instead of using scratch paper. The tool must be approved by the state. Test administrators must ensure that all notes taken on an assistive technology device are deleted after the test.
Spanish dictionary
The student uses a Spanish dictionary, if necessary. This may result in the student needing additional time to complete the assessment.

What are Designated Features?

Designated features are available when a team of educators such as an IEP or MTSS team that includes the parents, guardians, and the student, when appropriate,  indicates these features are necessary to meet the learner’s academic needs. 
Designated features must be assigned to a student by trained educators or teams using a consistent process. 
  1. Embedded designated features (such as text-to-speech) are provided digitally through instructional or assessment technology. 
  2. Non-embedded designated features (such as a magnification device) are provided locally.

Embedded Designated Feature

Feature
Description
Oral Administration of Assessment Items (audio support, spoken audio)
The student uses this feature to hear audio of eligible item content.

Default Text-to-Speech for eligible question elements is a Designated Universal Feature on each 3rd through 10th-grade reading screener and each 6th through 10th-grade math screener. For a specific student to have access to this feature, it must be activated in each student’s assessment settings. 

Non-embedded Designated Features

Feature
Description
Bilingual dictionary (word-to-word dictionary in English and native language)
The student uses a bilingual/dual language word-to-word dictionary as language support.
Color contrast
The student displays the test content items in different colors.
Human reader (human read aloud)
A qualified human reader reads the test and question content aloud.
Magnification device (low-vision aids)
The student adjusts the size of specific areas of the screen (e.g., text, formulas, tables and graphics) with an assistive technology device. Magnification allows the student to increase the size to a level that's not provided by the zoom universal feature.
Native language translation
A test administrator who is fluent in the student's native language translates test and question content.

Where Can I Find More Information about Read Aloud or Oral Administration?

One of the most frequently used accessibility features is text-to-speech reading of question-related content. Universal Screener assessment items include elements that can be read aloud to students.