Math Mail from ESC2
December 2021
Holiday Recipe for STAAR Success
INGREDIENTS
1 thoughtful caring educator
4 heaping spoons of attentiveness
6 ounces of allowable supports
5 cups of routine classroom use and practice
1 pinch of documentation
1 package of approval committee
Classroom Implementation to taste
Serves All Students
STEPS TO FOLLOW
1. Gather: Identify students who need support
One notable category of available supports are the Supplemental Aids which can be made available to ANY struggling student who regularly uses the support in class. Supplemental Aids should not be used by students who are not struggling academically and should not be provided as general support for all students. If the permitted supplemental aids are not adequate or appropriate for the individual student, there are other types of supports available.
Supplemental aids should be individualized for each student. Students have different strengths and needs, so it is not appropriate to provide all students the exact same set of supplemental aids. For more information on designated supports and other types of support available please see the 2021-2022 STAAR Accessibility Educator Guide or TEA’s Accommodation Resources webpage.
2. Combine: Routinely use supports in class
Implement the chosen supplemental aid routinely in class. Begin by selecting an appropriate aid. Allow time for exploration and play, setting clear rules and expectations for when it can be used. Demonstrate use of the aid and provide explicit instructions for use and corrective feedback as needed. Be sure to assign and monitor independent student work. Record progress and effectiveness of use to share with the campus approval committee.
EXAMPLES OF ALLOWABLE SUPPLEMENTAL AIDS
Allowed
Blank graphic organizers may be used.
Not Allowed
Allowed
Not Allowed
The subject-specific words that the mnemonic device represents are NOT allowed.
Allowed
Not Allowed
Allowed
Not Allowed
It may NOT contain place value labels (i.e., words) or numbers as specific examples.
Allowed
Not Allowed
Allowed
Not Allowed
A pictorial model of a geometric figure MAY NOT be provided in both three-dimensional (3-D) AND two-dimensional (2-D) forms either on the same page or a different page. The figures may NOT contain titles, words, labels, colors used as labels, acronyms, mnemonics, numbers, symbols, or variables.
3. Mix: Obtain campus approval and documentation
A student may use supplemental aids if he/she routinely, independently, and effectively uses it during classroom instruction and classroom testing. Document student use in order to support the committee decision.
CAMPUS APPROVAL COMMITTEES
TEA does not review and approve supplemental aids. Districts must determine locally if a supplemental aid meets the guidelines stated in the TEA policy document for the Supplemental Aids accommodation. The decision should be based on the eligibility criteria and aimed at addressing a student's consistent academic struggle in a specific area even after intensive instruction and remediation. Supplemental aids should not be used by students who are not struggling academically and should not be provided as general support for all students.
Eligibility is determined by the appropriate team of people at the campus level.
- For a general education student not receiving special education or Section 504 services
The decision is made by the appropriate team of people at the campus level (e.g., RTI team, student assistance team) based on the eligibility criterion and is documented according to district policies. - For a student receiving Section 504 services
The decision is made by the Section 504 committee based on the eligibility criteria and is documented in the student’s IAP - For a student receiving special education services
The decision is made by the ARD committee based on the eligibility criteria and is documented in the student’s IEP. - In the case of an EL with a disability
The decision is made by the applicable group above in conjunction with the student’s LPAC. The decision is to be documented by the LPAC in the student’s permanent record file and by the applicable group above.
4. Bake: Provide supports on STAAR Exam
A student who uses this designated support may complete the test in a separate setting to eliminate distractions to other students and to ensure the confidentiality of the test.The test administrator may not remind the student to use the supplemental aid or explain to the student the information included on the supplemental aid.
5. Enjoy: Experience improved student performance
Keep in mind
- You know your students and what they need.
- Follow the recipe to help your struggling students achieve more.
- The sooner you prepare the more success your students will enjoy!
Want more delicious treats?
Robyn Hernandez
Cindy Cantu
Anna Malachite
Education Service Center, Region 2
Email: anna.malachite@esc2.us
Website: math.esc2.net
Location: 209 North Water Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA
Phone: (361)561-8400
Facebook: facebook.com/ESCRegion2/
Twitter: @ESCRegion2