Frequently Asked Questions - Accommodations
Which students are allowed to use the Mixed Mode accommodation?
The Mixed Mode accommodation allows students to respond to multiple-choice items online and open-ended items on paper. Guidance on how to administer mixed-mode testing is found on the DRC INSIGHT Portal (Mixed Mode Directions for Administration) and must be followed closely when the accommodation is given. Mixed Mode testing is allowed for all subjects of the PSSA and is available to students with an IEP or 504 plan, or who have a documented need.
What is the Large Print font size?
The paper large-print booklets are produced with an 18-point font. Students who benefit from the large-print format can also utilize the magnification functionality of the online test to increase the screen output 1.5 or 2 times.
What should I do if a student has a broken arm/hand and cannot write responses to the open-ended items?
If a student is not able to write legibly with the opposite hand, he/she should be allowed to type responses to the open-ended items in an electronic format (with the spell-check function disabled). The test administrator should then transcribe the electronic responses into the answer booklet that contains the student’s responses to the multiple-choice items. The test administrator must transcribe the student’s work exactly as it is written, and the electronic copy must be securely destroyed.
Are Braille or large-print rulers provided for students using those test formats?
No. Students are allowed to use the same Braille or large-print rulers on the tests that they use for normal classroom work.
Are there read aloud guidelines?
Yes. Guidance can be found on PDE’s website for administering a read-aloud test session to individual students or small groups that are taking the paper assessment. Students who are taking the online assessment can have allowable text read aloud to them via the Audio (text-to-speech) accommodation. Students receiving the online Audio accommodation do not need to be in small groups. . The Read Aloud and Scribing Guidelines are found here: Read-Aloud and Scribing Guidelines
What size is a small group?
PDE recommends that small groups established for read-aloud administrations are limited to five students. School Assessment Coordinators should use their professional judgement for other small groups that don’t require a read-aloud. The objective of all small-group testing should be to foster an environment that is conducive for a successful test administration. PDE’s Accommodations Guidelines contain additional detail regarding small groups.
Where do I find scribing and/or transcribing rules?
PDE’s Accommodations Guidelines and DRC’s Handbook for Assessment Coordinators contain information about the scribing and transcribing accommodations. The Accommodations Guidelines should be closely reviewed when determining whether a student’s responses can be scribed or transcribed.