Enhancing Assessments: Text-To-Speech and Read Aloud Supports

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Supports and Accommodations Framework
3. Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations
   • Universal Tools
   • Designated Supports
   • Accommodations
4. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP ELA
   • Text-to-Speech Option
   • Read Aloud Option
   • Accommodation Version
5. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP Math
   • Text-to-Speech Option
   • Read Aloud Option
6. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP Science and Social Studies
   • Text-to-Speech Option
   • Read Aloud Option
   • Accommodation Version
7. Determining Which Students Benefit from Supports and Accommodations
8. How Text-to-Speech Works
9. Text-to-Speech in the MyAccess Assessment
10. Conclusion

Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Supports and Accommodations for M-STEP and MyAccess Assessments

In this article, we will explore the various read aloud and text-to-speech supports and accommodations available for the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) and MyAccess assessments. We will provide an overview of the supports and accommodations framework and explain the different levels of support. Additionally, we will discuss the specific options available for each subject area, including ELA, math, science, and social studies.

1. Introduction

The use of read aloud and text-to-speech supports and accommodations can greatly benefit students during assessments. These tools are particularly helpful for students who struggle with reading, have attention disorders, or have visual impairments. By providing access to these supports, we ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

2. Overview of Supports and Accommodations Framework

Before diving into the specific options for read aloud and text-to-speech, it is important to understand the supports and accommodations framework. The framework consists of three levels: Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations.

Universal Tools

Universal tools are available to all students and are primarily student-driven. These tools include features such as highlighters, calculators, and on-screen rulers. They aim to provide students with the necessary tools to navigate and interact with the assessment.

Designated Supports

Designated supports are available to students with specific needs and are primarily educator-driven. These supports are determined based on the individual student's requirements and may include read aloud options, extended time, or alternative response formats.

Accommodations

Accommodations are only available to students with disabilities who have outlined needs in their 504 plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These accommodations provide additional supports tailored to the individual student, such as the use of assistive technology or modified assessment formats.

3. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP ELA

For the M-STEP ELA (English Language Arts) assessment, there are two types of read aloud and text-to-speech options: designated support and accommodation.

Text-to-Speech Option

The text-to-speech option is available for students in grades three through seven who are taking the online version of the M-STEP ELA assessment. This option, also known as TTS, reads aloud the questions and answer options to the students. It can be group administered as long as students wear headphones to avoid distractions.

Read Aloud Option

The read aloud option is available for students taking the online or paper-Pencil version of the M-STEP ELA assessment. With this option, a test administrator or reader reads aloud the questions and answer options to the student on-site. This option requires a one-on-one administration and follows specific read aloud guidelines outlined in the supports and accommodations guidance document.

Accommodation Version

The accommodation version of read aloud is only available for students in grades six through seven taking the online version of the M-STEP ELA assessment. This accommodation, known as "text-to-speech passage," reads aloud the test questions, answer options, and reading passages to the students. It can also be group administered with students using headphones.

4. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP Math

The read aloud and text-to-speech options for the M-STEP Math assessment are similar to those for the ELA assessment.

Text-to-Speech Option

The text-to-speech option for M-STEP Math allows students to use the text-to-speech version, which reads aloud the questions and answer options. This option is available for both online and paper-pencil testers.

Read Aloud Option

For the paper-pencil version of the M-STEP Math test, students can have a test administrator read aloud the questions and answer options if needed. This option can be group administered in a small group setting within the same grade level.

5. Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options for M-STEP Science and Social Studies

The read aloud and text-to-speech options for the M-STEP Science and Social Studies assessments are similar to those for ELA and Math. However, it's important to note that there are no reading passages in these subjects, so the options are restricted to reading questions and answer options.

Text-to-Speech Option

Students taking the online version of the M-STEP Science and Social Studies assessments have access to the text-to-speech option. This option reads aloud the questions and answer options.

Read Aloud Option

For both online and paper-pencil testers, a test administrator can read aloud the questions and answer options in the M-STEP Science and Social Studies assessments.

6. Determining Which Students Benefit from Supports and Accommodations

When considering which students would benefit from read aloud and text-to-speech options, it is crucial to make individualized decisions based on the student's specific needs. The supports and accommodations guidance document provides a helpful worksheet that guides educators in assessing whether a student would benefit from these support types. Factors such as the student's IEP or 504 plan, visual impairment, and current use of text-to-speech tools should be taken into consideration.

7. How Text-to-Speech Works

Text-to-speech functionality allows students to have greater control over their testing experience. Within the online testing system, students can adjust the volume and speed of the text-to-speech tool without exiting the system. Additionally, they can choose whether to highlight words as they are being read aloud. These customization options ensure that students can adapt the tool to their preferences and needs.

8. Text-to-Speech in the MyAccess Assessment

Text-to-speech is also available in the MyAccess assessment. The tool includes a follow-along feature that is defaulted to "on" for all students. However, if students find it distracting, they can easily disable this feature. The use of text-to-speech in the MyAccess assessment aligns with the guidelines for read alouds and adheres to the "do not read aloud" tables.

9. Conclusion

The availability of read aloud and text-to-speech supports and accommodations in the M-STEP and MyAccess assessments ensures that all students have equal access to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. By understanding the different options and how they function, educators can make informed decisions about which support types are most beneficial for individual students. For further guidance or specific questions, refer to the supports and accommodations guidance document or contact the Michigan Department of Education.

Highlights

• Read aloud and text-to-speech options are available for M-STEP and MyAccess assessments.
• The supports and accommodations framework consists of Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations.
• The text-to-speech option allows students to have questions and answer options read aloud.
• The read aloud option requires a test administrator or reader to read questions and answer options to the student.
• Determining which students benefit from supports and accommodations requires individualized assessments.
• Text-to-speech features can be customized by students during their testing experience.
• The MyAccess assessment includes text-to-speech with a follow-along feature that can be disabled if needed.

FAQ

Q: How can I determine if a student would benefit from read aloud or text-to-speech options? A: The supports and accommodations guidance document provides a worksheet to help educators assess the student's needs and determine if these support types are beneficial. Factors such as the student's IEP or 504 plan and current use of text-to-speech tools should be taken into consideration.

Q: Can the text-to-speech tool be customized by students? A: Yes, students can customize the text-to-speech tool within the online testing system. They can adjust the volume, speed, and choose whether to highlight words as they are being read aloud.

Q: Are read aloud and text-to-speech options available for all subjects in the M-STEP assessment? A: Yes, read aloud and text-to-speech options are available for ELA, math, science, and social studies in the M-STEP assessment. However, reading passages are not available for math, science, and social studies.

Q: How can I obtain further guidance or clarification on supports and accommodations? A: Refer to the supports and accommodations guidance document for detailed information. You can also contact the Michigan Department of Education for specific questions or concerns.