Accommodations Policies and Training: What Do We Know So Far?

Accommodations Policies and Training: What Do We Know So

Far?Laurene ChristensenNCEO TeleconferenceSeptember 29, 2008

National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO)

CCSSO Accommodations Manual

• Published in 2005• Developed in collaboration with ASES

SCASS• Presents a 5-step process for making

decisions about accommodations for instruction and assessment

• Customizable for each state’s needs


How have states adapted the CCSSO Manual?

Examples:

Minnesota

Washington


Minnesota Accommodations Manual

• Minnesota theme• Complements the Minnesota

Procedures Manual• Updated content

– Inclusion of ELLs with disabilities

– Updated definitions of accommodations

– Increased focus on test validity

– Updated tools


STEP3

Decision Framework forAssessment Accommodations


Tool 2.1Page 33

Tool 2.1 Page 35

Tool 3.1

Page 54


MN Training Model• Train the trainer model• In 2008, roughly 220 people

participated in the training• Used both in-person and teleconference

formats for training• Included updated training manual,

which has multiple-format activities and evaluation forms to be used in districts


Washington Accommodations Manual

• CCSSO decision-making process embedded in manual

• WA policies included in manual

• Concrete examples to assist decision-makers

• Designed with pull-out sections


Washington Accommodations Review Process

• Requests for unique accommodations are made to the state

• Requests are recorded and reviewed each year by a team

• Changes are reflected in subsequent years


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Washington Training Model• WA trains a core group of 12 trainers

at the state level; core group is updated yearly

• This group then brings training to the district level

• Special education directors are trained using a similar model


Future Directions in Accommodations Manuals and Trainings

1. Continuing to provide information on accommodations policies and decision-making on an as needed, on demand basis

2. Making sure of the integrity of the information as it reaches its intended audience

3. Focusing on sound policies and decision-making as a basis for maintaining validity of the assessment

4. Maintaining accurate records of training and decision-making processes at the local level

5. Studying the effects of training on decision-making and on student outcomes


Accommodations Policies and Training: What Do We Know So Far?

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