[Pibe-division] ACT/(PLAN = Pre-ACT) & SAT/PSAT Questions

[Kristen J Sims]

Dr. V
1. I have given both the Plan test and the ACT test in braille. Since we are in the south-land we have not yet had a cause to give the SAT. As far as the proofing at ETS, I may be wrong but I am pretty sure they send for those tests from one of the braille textbook production facilities. 

2.- 3. I proctored the exam in all cases. I was allowed a readers script for students who needed the test read aloud. In most cases the readers script gave verbal descriptions of charts, graphs, maps, and pictures. These accommodations are tough to get, be sure the person ordering gets specific on needs and that it is noted in last evaluation and current IEP. For instance, I had to specially request that my students taking the test in braille be able to use their braillewriters for writing answers!! You would think that would be a given, since there is no accommodation for pencils!  

4. There is a practice test available. You have to order early or it will come with the test... I happened to find one at our state book depository if your state has one you can probably find it there. In the "rules" the test administrator cannot be the person who preps the student. In other words, the test administrator is supposed to be objective and have nothing to gain as a result of student scores. That being said, I often work in tandem with the resource or study skills teacher/test prep team to provide materials, work with students who are having difficulties understanding concepts that are directly related to the fact that they cannot see them. ie- the concept of 2 dimensional representations of 3 dimensional objects. Some of my students chose to take the test prep after-school classes and I would prepare materials and assist with the above mentioned things during school hours. The teacher can be paid as another ACT prep teacher in the evenings as well but just as the other teachers who are there after-school...it is a voluntary decision. 

Good Luck!

Kristen J. SimsTeacher of Blind StudentsVision Services OPSBOnly the educated are free. Epictetus
----- Original Message -----
From: DrV <pumpkinracer at gmail.com>
To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List <pibe-division at nfbnet.org>
Cc:
Date: Sunday, October 14 2012 12:51 PM
Subject: [Pibe-division] ACT/(PLAN = Pre-ACT) & SAT/PSAT Questions
Hi All,
My son took the PLAN (pre-ACT) on Saturday & will be taking the
PSAT Wednesday. This is the first time our district is administering these to a
braille-using student (at least in this century).
On behalf of my son, I?d appreciate any insights/thoughts you have
on the following:
1. Based on what my son shared about the graphics & formatting, do
any of you know if the Braille version of these National Standardized Tests are
produced & proofed by certified transcribers?
2. Who in your experience typically proctors these tests? How often is
the TVI?
3. How much clarification is the proctor allowed to give? My son had
been specifically instructed that he could not ask for any clarifications, but
it seemed like for some of the graphics, not all the information was there or presented
properly in the braille version.
4. What do you perceive the role of the TVI to be leading up to these
tests, preparing for these tests, & potentially in their administration (is this considered in the TVI world to be an "extracurricular" activity or part of a student's educational experience)?
Thank you,
Respectfully,
EricV


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