Overview

Educational teams are responsible for determining the assistive technologies, supports and accommodations that promote success. Through the formative assessment process which clarifies intended learning, elicits, interprets, and acts on evidence; the identified assistive technologies, supports and accommodations can be maintained, adapted and mirrored from instruction through summative assessment. 

Students often need supports to access instruction and participate in assessments. Utilizing these resources and supports during instruction as well as assessment, provides students access to enriched educational experiences, and prepares them to be career and college ready.

Points to consider:

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is central to the planning and development of instruction for all students. 
• Documentation of all tools, supports and accommodations is critical and should be clearly noted in the individualized education program (IEP). 
• Instructional accommodations and AT opportunities for students need to be considered regularly. 
• The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) offers Universal Tools that are available to all students; Designated Supports and Accommodations are specifically developed by educational teams for identified students and are utilized for daily instruction and are available for summative assessments. 
• The Alternate Assessment allows for individualized supports/accommodations and Assistive Technology that mirror supports utilized during instruction.