Embedded supports (see below) available to all students during a computer-based test. Allowing students to adjust the background color or contrast of the screen are examples. Educators have to activate specific accessibility features prior to a test, based on a student’s personal needs profile, which is designed to ensure students receive appropria [..]

Practices and procedures that provide students with disabilities equitable access to instructional materials and assessments. Below is a brief description of each category: 

On the ELA/literacy assessment, students are asked to analyze topics presented through several texts. The first one, which introduces the overall topic, is called the anchor text.

The PARCC assessment system is a cohesive set of tests that students will take during the school year that include summative (performance-based and short-answer questions) and non-summative components (diagnostic, midyear, and speaking and listening tools). This comprehensive and cohesive system will better inform instruction and provide critical i [..]

Errors in test scores that result from parts of the test that are not relevant to the content being measured and that differentially affect the performance of different groups of test takers.

Blueprints are a series of documents that together describe the content and structure of a test.

A statement about student performance based on how students respond to test questions. PARCC tests are designed to elicit evidence from students that support valid and reliable claims about the extent to which they are college and career ready or on track toward that goal and are making expected academic gains based on the Common Core State Standar [..]

The concept, characteristic or skill a test is designed to measure.

Digital tools that students may use in daily classroom instruction and to take tests, including, but not limited to, desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, tablets and assistive technologies for students requiring accommodations.

Diagnostic tools are optional and will be available throughout the year. They are designed to measure students’ strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can use these to inform instructional strategies. The results provide educators with information about what standards students have mastered and which ones may need more attention and focus.