In Kentucky, special populations participate fully in the state assessment and accountability program. Many of these students would be unable to participate in the assessment without special accommodations such as personal readers, scribes (writers), extended time, paraphrasing, use of special technology and equipment, interpreters, etc.
It is important to understand that an accommodation does not change the content or difficulty of the test; it reduces the effect of the disability and allows the students to show their knowledge and skills.
In the past, approximately 40% of students with disabilities in Kentucky have required personal readers to assist them in taking statewide tests. Over the last few years, Kentucky has greatly reduced the number of students requiring adult assistance by introducing computerized reading supports known as textreaders.
A textreader is text-to-speech software that allows students to read independently by using the computer to read the text aloud. The textreader software has additional features such as word prediction, speaking spell checker, dictionary, speech maker, scientific calculator, pronunciation tutor, and others.
Approximately 1,300 schools in Kentucky now have this technology and teachers are making frequent use of it in their classroom instruction for all students.
The students use their mouse or keyboard to select the text they need to read, and the computer reads the test to the student (via headphones). Students can control navigation of the test questions and independently read at their own pace anything they cannot read without assistance.
Use of this technology has greatly improved students' ability to overcome their disability and gain access to the general education curriculum by providing another way to access and understand print materials.
The questions and student expectations for online assessment are the same as for all other students taking the test with pencil and paper. However, online testing requires planning for technical support in the event a student has a need for assistance in use of the technology. This support is critical since student responses for the CATS Online Assessment will be submitted electronically and will count toward the school accountability index scores.
Eligibility
To participate in CATS Online, students in special populations must meet three eligibility requirements. They must:
1. Have an IEP, 504 Plan, or Program Service Plan (PSP) that specifies the need for a reader or assistive technology as an instructional and assessment accommodation;
2. Require and routinely (daily to weekly) use textreader, screenreader (text to speech) or related technology to access printed material in classroom instruction and assessment; and
3. Access and use the CATS Online Practice Area until able to navigate the site and independently read the content with their textreaders, screenreaders, or related technology.
Prior to the live test, participants must access a required Practice Area to become familiar with testing online. Students who do not access the Practice Area will be denied access to the live test.
For additional examples of students who may test online, please review this document: Who Should Test Online