Spring Means State Testing
A blog for families
Springtime in the schools means state testing season. If you are unsure how your child’s school will provide your child with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) state testing accommodations, now is the time to look them over and start asking questions.
In the state testing world, some states have universal tools (tier 1; everyone has access), designated supports (tier 2; some have access), and accommodations (tier 3; only IEP or 504 Plan have access). The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) created an easy-to-use graphic organizer to help Washington State educational teams determine the difference between the tiers.
Within each tier, there are embedded and non-embedded universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations.
Embedded means digitally within the test administration system.
Non-Embedded means separate from the test administration system.
Guidelines on Tools, Supports, and Accommodations for State Assessments. 2023.
For states that use the Smarter Balanced Assessment, only the universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations listed in the current Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines may be used.
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium: Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines. 2023.
States that use a different assessment may have other guidelines.
To get to your state’s Department of Education website, use this tool we created. This will bring you to the Special Education page for your state. Once there, locate the search bar, and type “state testing” to be redirected to the state testing page. If you’re still having trouble determining which assessment your state uses for state testing, reach out to your child’s IEP Case Manager or send us a message and we might be able to help!
Important State Testing Side Notes:
State testing accommodations on your child’s IEP should be used in the classroom before they are used in state testing. It is important for your child to know how to use their testing accommodations before testing. This also helps the IEP Team determine if the accommodation is beneficial for your child.
For children with significant cognitive impairments, IEP Teams may consider an alternative assessment. The type of state testing assessment your child participates in is an IEP Team decision, involving you.
The type of state testing and accommodations are determined at the initial or annual IEP review meeting when the IEP includes a participating grade-level year, as not all grade-levels participate in state testing.
Some children and adolescents may experience nervousness or test anxiety before, during, and/or after the state testing period. Check out our blog on coping skills and strategies for test nervousness and test anxiety.
If you are unsure about your child’s state testing accommodations or don’t know where to find them in the IEP, reach out to your child’s IEP Case Manager. If you don’t have a copy of your child’s IEP, ask your district’s Special Education office or your child’s IEP Case Manager for a copy, which will be provided to you at no cost.
Blog Photo Credit: Hillary
Photo Location: Olympic National Park
