Oral Administration of the TABE

READER Guidelines and Considerations

2

Required Reader Training

https://simon.jobcorps.orgRequires same User Name and Password as

your Citrix login.

3

Policy Basis

Reference: PRH Chapter 3: Appendix 3011. If centers use a test reader, that person must be

trained (i.e. see requirement in #2) to provide oral administrations of standardized content.

2. Staff members who serve as readers must successfully complete the required training in SIMON annually.

4

Legal Basis Americans with Disabilities Act

Qualified Reader Defined:o Under the ADA, a qualified

reader means a person who is able to read:

• effectively, • accurately, and • impartially using any

necessary specialized vocabulary.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-21821.htm

5

Legal Basis (cont.)

Providing Qualified Interpreters and Qualified Readers:o To be qualified, an interpreter must be able to convey:

• communications effectively, accurately, and impartially, and • use any necessary specialized vocabulary.

(28 C.F.R. § 35.104)

(U.S. Department of Justice, ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments, Chapter 3, General Effective

Communication Requirements Under Title II of the ADA, at http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap3toolkit.htm).

6

Things to Consider

Communicating effectively and accuratelyo Examples to consider:

• Dialect• Phrasing• Pronunciation

Communicating impartiallyo Examples to consider:

• Use of non-verbal cues• Use of voice cues (lilts, emphasis, etc.)

7

Who Qualifies for an Oral Administration of the TABE?

A student who is a person with a disability and who has a documented need for oral administration or whose impairment makes it obvious that there is a barrier to accessing the test content.

8

Documentation of Disability

For example,o A student who has a learning disability coupled with a

documented history of an accommodation for oral administration of exams or other valid psychological test data that supports the need for the use of this support.

o A student who has low vision or blindness.

9

Documentation (cont.)

Keep in mind that the center must have some valid documentation indicating why the individual student is receiving an oral administration of the exam related to their disability.

There is no list of specific disabilities that qualifies an individual for an oral administration accommodation. Each student’s request for or agreement of the need for an oral administration must be decided on a case by case basis and must be supported by appropriate documentation unless the need is obvious, i.e. the person is blind.

10

Accommodation Plan

This accommodation should be clearly identified on the student’s Job Corps Accommodation Plan.

TABE:Proctor Read Test

11

ELL Students

Students who are English Language Learners are not entitled to oral administration of the TABE unless they have a corresponding documented disability that warrants the provision of such an accommodation.

12

Standardization

Centers are encouraged to use the McGraw-Hill audiotape option for oral administration of the TABE tests whenever possible. The use of the audiotape better ensures the standardization of the test administration.

13

Standardization (cont.)

If the McGraw-Hill audiotaped version of the TABE test is not being used, the center must ensure that a qualified reader is providing the oral administration of the exam and that test integrity is maintained.

14

What is a Reader?

A reader is a person who reads the test to the test-taker or who provides an oral administration of the tests.

15

Who is a Qualified Reader

A qualified reader communicates written or typed information that is not otherwise accessible with technology. The term “qualified” simply means that the person is capable of clearly reading the information and is familiar with the terminology of the subject matter.

(Job Accommodation Network)

16

Considerations for a Reader

Remember, Under the ADA, a qualified reader means a person who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

A reader o reads the test directions, questions, and answer

choices to the test-taker verbatim. o does not interpret, re-word, or explain the test

questions. o maintains a neutral inflection and tone while reading.

17

Considerations for a Reader

A reader o does not use non-verbal gestures or cues to

inadvertently provide hints or clues as to the correct answer.

o speaks in a clear, understandable mannero reads the test content fluently.o ensures the security of the test content (i.e. limits the

presence of others during the delivery of the oral administration, follows center protocols for maintenance of the test materials, if applicable).

18

Let’s Review – Accommodation Basics

Acceptable accommodation?o Clarify test questions.o Clarify test directions.o Provide synonym or other substitute vocabulary word

for specific word in test content.o Define a vocabulary word in test content.o Provide oral administration in presence of other test-

takers not receiving this accommodation.o Provide oral administration to ELL students.

19

Resources

Lynne Fry, National Office of Job Corpso fry.lynne@dol.govo 202-693-3101

Job Accommodation Network, Accommodation and Compliance Series, “Testing Accommodations.”o www.askjan.orgo 800-526-7234

20