[Pibe-division] Smarter Balanced testing (SBAC)

[Eric Guillory]

These issues will continue to be raised as we enter the era in which an increasing number of entities implement online testing. Here in Louisiana, we are part of the PARCC Consortium as opposed to Smarter Balanced. The tests which have been given online are provided in hardcopy Braille for our blind students. Simply put, tactile graphics cannot be rendered using refreshable Braille displays—nor can textual materials which may need to be formatted spatially to convey effect (e.g., lines of poetry spaced well apart to convey theme or meaning).

I don’t have any answers for the California quandary except to say that a complaint should certainly be lodged about the lack of timely accessibility. Sadly, as fewer and fewer students are given comprehensive Braille instruction and thus become Braille readers, the fight for accessibility for those few who still use Braille as a primary literacy medium may be waged by a dwindling base of support. But that is why it is so important that we remain active in the Federation and that we be ever vigilant and supportive of each other.


Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services
Louisiana Center for the Blind
101 South Trenton Street
Ruston, LA 71270
Voice: 800-234-4166 (extension 3009)
Fax: 318-251-0109
Skype: brllovingdad

“Together, we are changing what it means to be blind.”

From: Pibe-division [mailto:pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of DrV
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 3:21 PM
To: braille-n-teach at mlist.cde.ca.gov; Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
Subject: [Pibe-division] Smarter Balanced testing (SBAC)

Dear Educators,
My son’s high school/district decided to do a ‘pilot test run’ of the new Smarter Balanced testing (SBAC) for 11th graders only this year, as the STAR testing has been phased out. The testing is scheduled for tomorrow.
I just received an email that though a braille version was requested, the materials have not been received & apparently the “accessibility kinks” haven’t been worked out yet.
I have requested elaboration from the district, but haven’t heard back yet.
It would seem like the testing should be accessible.
Can anyone provide some guidance/insights into what to do on a practical level & how this is being addressed on state/national level from other blind students?
Who is addressing the accessibility issues in CA/nationally?
Sincerely,
Eric
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