Writing items
Within the ELA test, there are several items that present a writing performance demand for the student (copy, trace, or write). These items are likely to require direct Assessor support for administration given their functionality and complexity.
The Reset Item option at the top repeats the audio for the prompt without deleting anything that the student has already written, allowing the student to write at his/her own pace. The +/- Audio Speed options slow down or speed up the audio.
The 'Draw/Type' options allow for students to record responses with their fingers, a writing instrument recognized by the tablet (Draw), or via a tablet-based or virtual keyboard (Type). The item may be enlarged, or reduced in visual appearance using the + / - Item Scale options.
The 'Undo' option will erase only the last section of what the student wrote. For example, in the sample item below if the student wished to redraw the 'k' in 'come back', the assessor could select the 'Undo' option to remove the 'k' and let the student try again.
The 'Clear' option will clear the entire item if the student wishes to start over.
All writing items are also provided paper/pencil if handwriting on paper is the best modality for the student. If the assessor has chosen a hybrid option of electronic and paper/pencil administration, they must select 'Paper/Pencil' for the ELA writing items, and score appropriately at the end of the ELA administration.
'No Answer' is provided if the student does not respond to the item.
Example Writing Item:
If the student uses an augmentative or alternative communication device (AACD) to generate written products, use the tablet to present the item. However, item scoring will need to be completed based upon the student’s AACD output rather than what is stored in the testing application (see Scoring the Writing Items on the ORExt Testing Application below).
Writing Items can also be administered paper/pencil. Downloadable packets of ELA writing items can be found on the or.k12test.com site in the Materials section. After administering writing items paper/pencil - Assessors will need to score writing items before submission of the ELA assessment.