TIPS Volume 3, No. 4
December, 2002

     Grade Level Key 
     = Elem, = Middle
     = High, = Teachers

Students that have IEPs (Individual Education Plans) or 504 Plans are allowed to use their accommodations and modifications in testing situations. For those students that have certain things listed certain preparations must be made. ARE YOU READY?

Reader—We are trying to get away from this one but this means that the student will have a person sitting across from them reading the test.

Oral Presentation of materials (text)—This can mean numerous things. (That is why we use that wordology) Computer text reader, Tape recorder, or a person reading.

Multi-modal presentation of materials (text)—This can mean; signing the text, computer text reading software, tape recorder, and a person reading. NOTE—this is the most recommended use of words for the IEP and 504 plan.

Extended time—Is there supervision and lab or computer time available for those student who might need an extended time period to complete their work?

Graphic organizer—Remember that the teacher can not give the graphic organizer to the student but if it is used daily throughout the year then the student can access it like they do the rest of the year. This could be software (Inspiration, Kidspiration or others); it may be a form like the Four Square Method, or other tools.

Scribe—Right now this is a person that writes whatever the student says. Correct spelling and punctuation may be added as long as there are pauses in the speech where a punctuation mark would be inserted. There is not a good component for this yet in the software market. We have not had a great deal of success with Via Voice or Dragon Dictate at the schools. It is not classroom friendly.

Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions or concerns.

Carol D. Moffett—ATP
Special Education Resource Specialist in Assistive Technology