Title: 2007-08 Texas Educator Certification(TM) Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities ETS Publication ID = 57518 ETS Item Number = 742885 This publication is currently available in print, large print, Adobe PDF, and in text format. Note: The printed edition contains several forms, which are also included in this electronic publication. A printer friendly format is available in the printed version of the Bulletin Supplement and in the Adobe PDF version. Forms: --Part I - Applicant Information --Part II - Testing Accommodations Requested --Part III - Certification of Eligibility --Computer-Administered Testing Nonstandard Test Accommodations Registration Form This electronic edition contains the entire text of the print edition except for extraneous header and footer information, graphical elements, and navigational controls for electronic documents. This document consists of the sections listed below. --Contents --Customer Service --General Information --How to Request Accommodations and Register --How to Register Using Previously Approved Accommodations --Deadline for Requests --Minor Accommodations --Submitting Your Request to ETS --If Your Request Is Approved --Change Requests --Canceling --Scoring and Reporting --Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations - Instructions/Forms --Computer-Administered Testing Nonstandard Test Accommodations Registration Form Page numbers in this document are indicated with the word "page" enclosed between the less-than and greater-than symbol: . To locate material on page 1 of the printed edition, use your search or find command to search for " 1" (do not enter the quotation marks into the search window). 1 = front cover 2007-08 Texas Educator Certification(TM) BULLETIN SUPPLEMENT for Test Takers with Disabilities This publication contains registration procedures and forms for TExES(TM), ExCET, TExMaT(TM), TOPT(TM), TASC(TM) and TASC-ASL(TM). It should be used in conjunction with the information and registration form(s) provided in the appropriate 2007-08 Registration Bulletin. Visit the ETS TExES website at www.texes.ets.org for updated information. 2 Copyright (c) 2007 by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). All rights reserved. The Texas Education Agency logo and TEA are registered trademarks of the Texas Education Agency. ETS is the registered trademark of Educational Testing Service. Texas Examinations of Educator Standards, TExES, TExMaT, TOPT, TASC, TASC-ASL, and the TExES logo are trademarks of the Texas Education Agency. 3 Contents Customer Service 4 General Information 4 How to Request Accommodations and Register 5 How to Register Using Previously Approved Accommodations 5 Deadline for Requests 5-6 Minor Accommodations 6 Submitting Your Request to ETS 6 If Your Request Is Approved 6-7 Change Requests 7 Canceling 7 Scoring and Reporting 7 Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations Instructions 8 Part I - Applicant Information 9-10 Part II - Testing Accommodations Requested 11 Part III - Certification of Eligibility 12-14 Computer-Administered Testing Nonstandard Test Accommodations Registration Form 15 4 CUSTOMER SERVICE The information provided in this publication and in the 2007-08 Registration Bulletins for TExES(TM), ExCET, TExMaT(TM), TOPT(TM), TASC(TM) and TASC-ASL(TM) should answer any questions you may have about registering for a TExES, ExCET, TExMaT, TOPT, TASC, or TASC-ASL test. If you do not have a copy of the appropriate Registration Bulletin or require additional information, visit www.texes.ets.org or contact ETS(R) Disability Services. ETS Disability Services Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Central Time Phone: 1-609-771-7780 1-866-387-8602 (toll free for test takers in the U.S., U.S. Territories* (*Includes American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands), and Canada) TTY: 1-609-771-7714 Fax: 1-609-771-7165 E-mail: stassd@ets.org Mail: ETS Disability Services PO Box 6054 Princeton, NJ 08541 Overnight Mail: ETS Disability Services Distribution and Receiving Center 225 Phillips Boulevard Ewing, NJ 08628-7435 GENERAL INFORMATION ETS is committed to serving test takers with disabilities by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test. Nonstandard testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet ETS requirements. All requests for accommodations must be approved in accordance with ETS policies and procedures and must be made on the Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form (pages 8-14). Decisions regarding accommodations will not be discussed by telephone. All requests and communications related to decisions and appeals must be made in writing to ETS Disability Services. Because ETS needs to review documentation in order to provide appropriate accommodations, all test takers requesting any accommodations must register through ETS Disability Services. Documentation review takes approximately six weeks once all necessary documentation has been submitted to ETS. Braille, audio, reader, or large-print formats may require up to eight weeks for production after accommodation approval. We urge you to send in your request for testing accommodations well in advance of your planned test date. 5 HOW TO REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS AND REGISTER Online and telephone registration are not available for test takers requesting accommodations. All requests for testing accommodations must be reviewed and approved before your test can be scheduled. All materials must be submitted together or your registration will be returned to you unprocessed, which may cause your testing to be delayed. What to Include in Your Request 1. Paper-Based Testing: The appropriate registration form and the proper fee for the test you are taking. Registration forms and fee information for paper-based testing are available in the appropriate Registration Bulletin. Registration Bulletins are available on the Texas Educator Certification Web site at www.texes.ets.org. Computer-Administered Testing: The Computer-Administered Testing Nonstandard Test Accommodations Registration form on page 15 of this supplement. You will schedule your test and provide payment after you receive your authorization letter. AND 2. A completed Applicant's Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form (pages 8-14) --You must complete Part I - Applicant Information and sign the Verification Statement. --You must complete Part II - Testing Accommodations Requested. --You must submit either Part III - Certification of Eligibility (COE) OR your disability documentation, unless you are registering for testing accommodations identical to those that ETS has approved for you within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing years. HOW TO REGISTER USING PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ACCOMMODATIONS If your request for accommodations has been approved by ETS within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing years, and your documentation is still current, you may request the same testing accommodations for any TExES, ExCET, TExMaT, TOPT, TASC, or TASC-ASL test during the 2007-08 testing year. If you are registering for a different test than before, the accommodations ETS previously approved for you within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing years will be approved again if they are appropriate for the current test. To register for paper-based testing, submit the registration form from the appropriate Registration Bulletin, appropriate fees, and Parts I and II only of the Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form. Be sure to indicate the previous test name and test date. For computer-administered testing, submit the registration form on page 15 of this supplement and Parts I and II only of the Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form. You will schedule your test and provide payment after you receive your authorization letter. DEADLINE FOR REQUESTS For paper-based testing, you must submit your request for accommodations to ETS by the regular registration deadline listed in the appropriate Registration Bulletin. Registration Bulletins are available on the ETS TExES website at www.texes.ets.org. For computer-administered testing, your request for accommodations should be submitted as early as possible. Documentation review takes approximately six weeks once your request has been received. If your request is approved, you will receive an authorization letter with instructions for scheduling your test. 6 Test takers with disabilities who (1) have been approved by ETS for specific accommodations on a Texas Educator Certification test within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing years; (2) are registering for the same test in the same format for which those accommodations have been approved; and (3) are not seeking any additional or different accommodations, may avail themselves of late or emergency registration. (Note: Late registration and emergency registration are not available for TASC/TASC-ASL testing or for TExES or TExMaT computer-administered testing.) The approval process for test takers who (1) are applying for the first time for accommodations on a Texas Educator Certification test; or (2) applied for accommodations on a Texas Educator Certification test before the 2006-07 testing year; or (3) are registering for a different test or format or applying for different accommodations than they have been approved for previously, may extend beyond the emergency registration period because of the time needed to review disability documentation. It is, therefore, possible that a test taker requiring accommodations who registers during the emergency registration period may need to test on a subsequent administration date rather than on the date requested. It is important that requests for accommodations be submitted as early as possible so test takers have a better chance of testing on their first-choice test date. MINOR ACCOMMODATIONS Some test takers require only minor accommodations to the standard testing environment because of documented medical needs. Minor accommodations include, but are not limited to, special lighting, an adjustable table or chair, and/or breaks for medication or snacks. Documented medical needs may include diabetes, epilepsy, or chronic pain. These test takers must submit Parts I (Applicant Information) and II (Testing Accommodations Requested) of the Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form. They must include a letter of support from a medical doctor or other qualified professional stating the nature of the condition and the reason for the minor accommodation requested, as well as the appropriate registration form and fees. SUBMITTING YOUR REQUEST TO ETS Send all completed requests for testing accommodations to: Educational Testing Service Disability Services P.O. Box 6054 Princeton, NJ 08541 IF YOUR REQUEST IS APPROVED Once your request for accommodations is approved, ETS will send you an authorization letter confirming the accommodations that have been approved for you. This letter will serve as your admission ticket on test day. Allow up to six weeks from the time your completed request is received at ETS to receive your letter of authorization. 7 Paper-Based Testing: The letter will identify the testing location and supervisor. If the testing center cannot accommodate your request on the scheduled testing date, you will be contacted by ETS to arrange an alternate test date. Computer-Administered Testing: You cannot schedule a computer-administered test until you receive your authorization letter. Further registration instructions will be included in the authorization letter. When scheduling your test, be prepared to provide the authorization number, payment by credit/debit card (American Express(R), Discover(R), MasterCard(R), or VISA(R)), and the information contained in the letter. CHANGE REQUESTS Examinees registered for nonstandard testing accommodations cannot make changes to their test, test center, test date, or test session online; they may only do so by using the Change Request form in the back of the Registration Bulletin. The Change Request form must be mailed to the Disability Services address on page 4, not to the address printed on the form. For paper-based testing, change requests must be received by the late registration deadline. For computer-administered testing, change requests must be received four business days prior to the administration date. CANCELING You may only cancel a registration for a test with testing accommodations by completing and submitting the Test Cancellation/Refund Request form in the back of the Registration Bulletin. You cannot cancel online or by phone. The Test Cancellation/Refund Request form must be mailed to the Disability Services address on page 4, not to the address printed on the form. See "Test Fee Refunds" in the Registration Bulletin for refund request deadlines and refund amounts. Paper-based test registrations cannot be canceled during the emergency registration period. Computer-administered test registrations cannot be canceled during the three business days before the administration date. SCORING AND REPORTING In most cases, score reports contain no indication of whether a test was taken with accommodations. In rare instances, when an accommodation significantly alters what is tested (for example, if an entire test section must be omitted), a statement may be included with the score report indicating that the test was taken under nonstandard testing conditions. Score reports do not indicate the nature of the disability or the accommodation given. Score recipients are also reminded that test scores should be considered only one part of an applicant's record. 8 TExES, ExCET, TExMaT, TOPT, TASC and TASC-ASL REQUEST FOR NONSTANDARD TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS INSTRUCTIONS Send all required items to ETS in ONE mailing. ALL applicants must send 1. Completed registration form - Registrants for paper-based tests should complete the registration form in the appropriate Registration Bulletin. Registrants for computer-administered tests should complete the Computer-Administered Testing Nonstandard Test Accommodations Registration form on page 15 of this Supplement. 2. Fee - Registrants for paper-based tests should include the appropriate fee. Registrants for computer-administered tests will pay via credit card when scheduling their tests after receiving their authorization letter. 3. Part I - Applicant Information (see pages 9-10) 4. Part II - Testing Accommodations Requested (see page 11) and ALL applicants, unless registering for the identical accommodations that have been approved by ETS within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing year must send 5. EITHER: A. Part III - Certification of Eligibility (COE) (see pages 12-14) Submit the COE if 1. your documentation meets the ETS Documentation Criteria (see www.ets.org/disability); and 2. the documentation supports each of the testing accommodations you are requesting; and 3. you use or have used accommodations at your school or place of employment within the past three years; and 4. you are asking for only those accommodations specified in Part III-Certification of Eligibility. The authorized person signing the COE must certify that the documentation on file meets the ETS Documentation Criteria. Note: If you are submitting a properly completed Part III-Certification of Eligibility that is supported by the disability documentation, DO NOT send the documentation; doing so will delay the review process. ETS reserves the right to request the actual documentation. --OR-- B. Disability Documentation Submit your documentation, including history of testing accommodations, to ETS if you: 1. have a disability that is not specifically listed in Part I; or 2. are requesting more than 50 percent extended testing time (time and one-half) or a reader; or 3. are requesting any other accommodation that is not specifically listed in Part III; or 4. are unable to provide a Certification of Eligibility (see instructions in Part III); or 5. have not previously used the testing accommodations you are requesting; or 6. were diagnosed with a disability within the last 12 months. Submit your documentation and history of testing accommodations with Parts I and II. ETS will review your documentation and determine whether it supports the request for accommodations. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan alone may not be used. If you have a visual disability and are submitting documentation for review, please use the form for documentation of a visual disability at www.ets.org/disability. 9 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART I--APPLICANT INFORMATION Instructions: All applicants must complete this section and sign the Applicant's Verification Statement on the next page. Applicant's Name (please print--leave one blank box between names) Last, First, M.I. ____ Mailing Address ____ Gender ____ Date of Birth ____ TEA ID Number ____ Day Phone Number (Voice/TTY) ____ Evening Phone Number (Voice/TTY) ____ Fax Number ____ E-mail Address ____ I would prefer that ETS communicate with me via: E-mail __ Mail __ Phone __ Fax __ I am applying for: TExES/ExCET __ TExMaT __ TOPT __ TASC/TASC-ASL __ Nature of your disability (check all that apply): ADD/ADHD __ Learning disability __ Blindness __ Low vision __ Deafness __ Hard of hearing __ Physical disability (describe; must submit documentation) ____ Other (describe; must submit documentation) ____ When was your disability first diagnosed? Month _____ / Year _____ Date of professional's most recent evaluation: Month _____ / Year _____ Have you received accommodations within the past five years in college and/or employment? No __ Yes __ If yes, please list the accommodations received: ____ Continued on next page. 10 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART I--APPLICANT INFORMATION (continued) Verification Statement to Be Signed by Applicant I attest to the fact that the information recorded on this application is true, and if this application is not sufficient, I agree to provide ETS with any additional information or documentation requested in order to evaluate my request for accommodations. I also give permission to release to ETS a copy of any pertinent information required to establish the need for the accommodation(s) requested herein. If I am requesting the use of an assistive device, I am familiar with its use. I understand that all information that is necessary to process this application must be available to ETS sufficiently in advance of the test administration date to provide time to evaluate and process my request for accommodations. I acknowledge that ETS reserves the right to make final determination as to whether any requested accommodation is warranted and appropriate. If I am submitting a Certification of Eligibility (Part III), I acknowledge that my request for accommodations will not be processed if I alter or revise Part III in any way after the appropriate official has completed it. I also understand that ETS does not waive its right to ask the person who completes Part III on my behalf to submit the supporting documentation, if necessary, either before or after the test administration date. I authorize any person completing Part III on my behalf to release this information to ETS upon ETS's request. I also understand that the documentation in support of my request for accommodations supersedes any information contained in the Certification of Eligibility. For quality assurance, COEs may be subjected to audit resulting in a review of the actual disability documentation on file. I acknowledge that any submitted information may also be used for research purposes, and that in no case will any individual be identified by name in research studies, and that the information will be protected by the terms of ETS's Confidentiality of Data Policy. I further understand that ETS reserves the right to withhold or cancel my scores if it is subsequently determined that, in ETS's judgment, any information presented in this application or supporting documentation is either questionable, inaccurate, or used to obtain accommodations that are not necessary. Signature of Applicant ____ Date ____ Keep a copy of this completed form for your records. 11 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART II--TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS REQUESTED If you have received ETS approval within the 2006-07 or 2007-08 testing year for the accommodations identical to those you are requesting now, and your documentation is still current, please indicate the following: Previous test(s) taken: ____ Previous test date(s): ____ REQUESTED ACCOMMODATIONS (check all that apply) Accommodations for Computer-Administered Tests __ Kensington Trackball mouse __ Quill mouse __ IntelliKeys keyboard __ Screen magnification __ Ergonomic keyboard __ Keyboard with touchpad __ Selectable background and foreground colors Alternate Test Format __ Braille __ Large-print test book __ Large-print answer sheet Extended Testing Time (Note: All tests are timed.) __ 50 percent (time and one-half) __ 100 percent (double time; documentation required) Additional Rest Breaks __ Yes Assistance Note: If you are requesting a reader and/or a recorder/writer, you must submit documentation directly to ETS for review. __ Reader __ Recorder/writer of answers __ Braille slate and stylus** (**Only applicants who are blind or have low vision; for note taking only) __ Perkins Brailler** (**Only applicants who are blind or have low vision; for note taking only) __ Sign language interpreter (for spoken directions only)* (*Only applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing) __ Oral interpreter (for spoken directions only)* (*Only applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing) __ Printed copy of spoken directions (for paper-based tests only) Other Accommodations (describe). If you are requesting accommodations other than those listed above (e.g., separate room or calculator), you must submit documentation directly to ETS for review. ____ 12 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART III--Certification of Eligibility A completed Certification of Eligibility (COE) will only be considered in lieu of disability documentation from qualified applicants requesting ONLY accommodations that are listed in number 4 on page 13. For any other accommodations (e.g., double time, separate room, reader, etc.) applicants must submit disability documentation directly to ETS for review. This form must be completed and signed by an authorized professional representing one of the following: --Test taker's college or university Office of Disability Services --Human Resources office at test taker's place of employment --Test taker's state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office. Forms completed and signed by a member of the applicant's family, or by the licensed and/or certified professional who diagnosed the disability, will not be considered. DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY: The authorized professional should complete Part III only if able to initial points a-c below. a) ____ the documentation on file for the applicant is current according to the currency criteria set forth at www.ets.org/disability, meets all other ETS Documentation Criteria set forth on page 14, and supports the need for each of the requested accommodations; and b) ____ the applicant is currently using these accommodations (or has used them within the past three years) based on the stated disability at a college/university, at a place of employment, or in conjunction with vocational rehabilitation services; and c) ____ the applicant is only requesting accommodations that are listed in number 4 on page 13. Provide the following information regarding the disability documentation on file: 1. Name and credentials of professional who administered the most recent evaluation ____ 2. Applicant's diagnosed disability or disabilities, as stated in the documentation, for which accommodations have been granted ____ 3. Date of professional's most recent evaluation: Month ______ / Year______ Continued on next page. 13 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART III--Certification of Eligibility (continued) 4. Only the accommodations in the following list can be approved on a COE. Indicate which of the following accommodations are supported by the documentation you have on file for the applicant. (Check all that apply.) Alternate Test Format __ Braille __ Large-print test book __ Large-print answer sheet Assistance __ 50 percent extended testing time (time and one-half) __ Additional rest break(s) __ Printed copy of spoken directions __ Sign language interpreter (for spoken directions only)* (*Only applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing) __ Oral interpreter (for spoken directions only)* (*Only applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing) __ Perkins Brailler (for note taking only)** (**Only applicants who are blind or have low vision) __ Braille slate and stylus (for note taking only)** (**Only applicants who are blind or have low vision) 5. During what period of time has the applicant used the above accommodations? From: (mm/dd/yy) __________ To: (mm/dd/yy) __________ 6. Where has the applicant used the accommodations? __ College/university __ Place of employment __ Other (indicate): ____ All requests for testing accommodations are subject to approval by ETS and must meet ETS's Documentation Criteria. For more detailed information, including ETS's New Policy Regarding LD and LD/ADHD Documentation Shelf Life; policy statements for documentation of LD, ADHD, physical, and psychiatric disabilities; and the ETS Vision Documentation Report form, please visit www.ets.org/disability. Continued on next page. 14 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ PART III--Certification of Eligibility (continued) ETS DOCUMENTATION CRITERIA If a COE is used, the documentation on file must satisfy ETS documentation criteria: Documentation for the applicant must: --be typed or printed in English on official letterhead and signed by an evaluator qualified to make the diagnosis (include information about license or certification and area of specialization); --clearly state the diagnosed disability or disabilities; --describe the functional limitations resulting from the disability or disabilities and how they are relevant to the testing situation; --include complete educational, developmental, and medical history, including history of accommodations use, relevant to the disability for which testing accommodations are being requested; --include a list of all test instruments used in the evaluation report and relevant subtest scores used to document the stated disability. (This requirement does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature); --describe the specific accommodations requested; --adequately support each of the requested testing accommodation(s); --be current, depending on the disability. For specific currency requirements for different types of disabilities, please go to www.ets.org/disability. Verification Statement to be signed by authorized professional To be signed by an authorized person in the Office of Disability Services, a Human Resources counselor at place of employment, or a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Note: The evaluator who conducted the testing cannot complete this form. I certify that the accommodations indicated in Part III are those that were documented as necessary and approved for the applicant. I certify that I have reviewed Educational Testing Service's (ETS) Documentation Criteria (including ETS policy statements and guidelines about LD, ADHD, physical, and psychiatric disabilities, if applicable), and that the applicant's documentation supporting the disability or disabilities and the need for specific accommodations meets those criteria and is on file in this office. For quality assurance, all COEs may be subjected to an audit resulting in a review of the actual disability documentation on file. In the event that ETS requests a copy of any of the documentation cited above, I agree to send ETS, for its consideration, the complete file of documentation pertinent to establishing the need for these accommodations. I understand that the applicant authorizes the release of this information pursuant to the applicant's verification statement. I also understand that if ETS determines at any time that the applicant's documentation does not meet ETS's Documentation Criteria, ETS will withhold or cancel the applicant's score(s). Signature of Authorized Person ____ Date ____ Print Name ____ Title ____ Name of Institution/Agency/Place of Employment ____ Telephone / TTY # ____ Fax # ____ E-mail Address ____ 15 Applicant's Name (please print) Last, First, M.I. ____ COMPUTER-ADMINISTERED TESTING NONSTANDARD TEST ACCOMMODATIONS REGISTRATION FORM If you are requesting nonstandard testing accommodations for a computer-administered test, you must complete and submit this registration form in addition to the Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form (pages 8-14). Do not submit the paper-based registration form that is in the Registration Bulletin. All required fields must be completed, or your form will be returned. Required fields are noted with an asterisk (*). * Last Name (as it appears on your photo ID) ____ * First Name (as it appears on your photo ID) ____ Middle Name or Initial ____ * Address Line 1 ____ Address Line 2 ____ * City ____ * State/Province ____ * ZIP/Postal Code ____ * Country Code (refer to the Registration Bulletin) ____ * Date of Birth: Month ______ / Day ______ / Year______ * Gender: Male ____ / Female ____ * Primary Phone Number (include area code, country code, or city code): ____ Secondary Phone Number (include area code, country code, or city code): ____ * E-mail Address (must be the same e-mail address used when obtaining your TEA ID number from the SBEC website) ____ * TEA ID Number ____ Check the appropriate box below to indicate the test for which you would like to register. Once your request is approved, you will be sent an authorization letter confirming your approved accommodations and including further registration instructions. NOTE: You cannot schedule a computer-administered test until you receive your authorization letter. Accommodations can only be provided when you follow the instructions in your authorization letter. ___ Bilingual Education Supplemental (102) ___ English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) ___ Generalist EC-4 (101) ___ Generalist 4-8 (111) ___ History 8-12 (133) ___ Mathematics 8-12 (135) ___ Music EC-12 (177) ___ Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-4 (100) ___ Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) ___ Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 4-8 (110) ___ Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 8-12 (130) ___ Physical Education EC-12 (158) ___ Special Education EC-12 (161) ___ TExMaT Master Technology Teacher EC-12 (086) 16 = back cover 00624-57518 Y97E.500 Printed in U.S.A. I.N. 742885