Accessing Universal Tools: Caaspp Student Support

how to access universal tools on caaspp for students

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System offers a variety of universal tools to ensure that tests are accessible to all students. These tools are available to students based on their preference and selection and include resources such as embedded on-screen calculators, digital notepads, and the ability to pause or replay audio presentations. Additionally, the Stacked Spanish tool assists English learners proficient in Spanish by providing test content in both English and Spanish. Students can also use a whiteboard with markers and access certain types of paper, such as plain, lined, or graph paper, for their responses. CAASPP also provides accessibility resources like the Individual Student Assessment Accessibility Profile (ISAAP), a web-based tool that helps identify and assign accessibility resources for students.

Characteristics Values
Name of the system California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
Who can use it? All students
Who decides? Student preference and selection
Other options Designated supports (determined by educators, with parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate) or specified in the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan
Availability Available for computer-administered Smarter Balanced assessments
Tools On-screen digital calculator, digital notepad, whiteboard with marker, print-on-demand, audio controls, spell check, "Stacked Spanish" bilingual presentation

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Using the on-screen calculator

Students taking mathematics or science assessments can access an embedded on-screen calculator within the test delivery system for certain items. Students can access the on-screen calculator for calculator-allowed items by selecting the [Calculator] button.

For mathematics, this tool is available only on the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated as appropriate in grades six through eight and grade eleven. For science, this tool is available as a four-function (basic) calculator for grade five and a scientific calculator for grade eight and high school.

The on-screen calculator is not applicable to the CAAs. Students can use the same calculator on the Desmos website to build familiarity with this resource.

In addition to the on-screen calculator, students can use a whiteboard with a marker for all assessments.

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Bilingual presentation

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System offers a variety of universal tools to support students during assessments. These tools are available to all students and can be selected based on their preferences.

One such universal tool is the "Stacked Spanish" option, designed to assist English Learners (ELs) proficient in Spanish. This bilingual presentation feature ensures that test questions are presented in a "stacked" format, with the English version followed by its Spanish translation. This allows ELs to simultaneously access content in both languages, enhancing their comprehension and enabling them to better demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

The "Stacked Spanish" tool is particularly beneficial for subjects like mathematics and English language arts/literacy, empowering ELs to overcome language barriers and showcase their understanding.

In addition to the bilingual presentation, CAASPP offers other universal tools. For instance, students can access an embedded digital calculator for mathematics and science assessments. They can also use a digital notepad to take notes during the test. Furthermore, CAASPP provides the flexibility to pause or replay audio presentations, accommodating students who need to slow down or momentarily stop the audio.

To access these universal tools, students and educators can refer to the CAASPP website, which offers resources such as the CAASPP Universal Tools Guide and the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines. These guides provide detailed information on the availability and usage of the tools, ensuring that students can make the most of these supports during their assessments.

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Utilising the digital notepad

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System offers a range of universal tools to support students during their assessments. One such tool is the digital notepad, which students can use to make notes about a specific question. This tool is available until the end of the test segment.

The digital notepad is particularly useful for students who have been assigned speech-to-text as a test setting in TOMS. This allows students to use the embedded speech-to-text accommodation with the notepad. However, it is important to note that for CAASPP, notes are not saved when the student moves on to the next segment or after a break of more than 20 minutes.

To utilise the digital notepad effectively, students can follow these steps:

  • Access the digital notepad within the CAASPP assessment platform.
  • Use the notepad to type notes specific to the question being answered.
  • Review and edit notes as needed throughout the test segment.
  • If speech-to-text accommodation is assigned, use this feature in conjunction with the notepad.
  • Be mindful that notes will not be saved once the next segment is started or after a prolonged break.

The digital notepad is a valuable tool that allows students to jot down ideas, thoughts, and key points related to the question at hand. It provides a space for students to organise their thoughts and plan their answers before submitting their final responses. By using the digital notepad effectively, students can enhance their test-taking experience and improve their overall performance on the CAASPP assessments.

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Adjusting print size

For the CAASPP, the print-on-demand accommodation feature allows students to adjust the print size of their assessments. This feature sets the default font size for the student, within a range of 1.5x to 3x, which is applied to all text questions and stimuli. It is important to note that this setting does not apply to the buttons in the global menu bar.

The print size accommodation ensures that students can easily read and interact with the assessment content. By providing the option to increase the font size, students who may have visual impairments or reading difficulties are better supported and can more effectively demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Additionally, the CAASPP and ELPAC systems offer a range of other universal tools to accommodate diverse student needs. These include the "Stacked Spanish" tool, which presents test content in both English and Spanish to assist English learners proficient in Spanish. Students can also access a digital calculator, digital notepad, and spell-check tools, further enhancing their assessment experience.

To effectively utilize these universal tools, students and educators can refer to resources provided by the California Department of Education. These resources include manuals, instructions, and guidelines, such as the Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines, which help educators select and administer the appropriate universal tools. By leveraging these resources, students can access the necessary tools to successfully demonstrate their understanding during assessments.

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Speech-to-text

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) system provides a wide range of universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations to ensure that tests meet the needs of all students.

To access the speech-to-text tool, students must have the necessary software installed on their devices. The software typically involves a text-to-speech engine, which converts spoken words into written text, and a speech recognition component, which interprets the user's speech and translates it into text.

In the CAASPP system, the speech-to-text tool can be used in conjunction with the digital notepad, which is available for making notes about a specific item. This tool is question-specific and available until the end of the test segment. However, it is important to note that notes are not saved if the student moves on to the next segment or after a break of more than 20 minutes.

Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan may also use designated supports and universal tools. It is recommended that students refer to the CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Guide and the CA Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix web page for detailed information on the various accessibility resources and how to access them.

Frequently asked questions

Universal tools are resources available to all students on the basis of student preference and selection. They are embedded into the technology platform for the computer-administered CAASPP and ELPAC tests.

Universal tools are available on the CAASPP platform. Students can access tools like an on-screen calculator, a digital notepad, and a whiteboard with a marker. Students can also use the print-on-demand feature to get paper copies of passages, stimuli, or items.

Yes, the "Stacked Spanish" universal tool is designed to assist English Learners (ELs) proficient in Spanish. It presents test content in both English and Spanish, allowing ELs to better understand and demonstrate their knowledge.

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