Charting the Cs logo with black and blue text. Charting the Cs Conference 2025: To Literacy and Beyond Cooperation Communication Collaboration Assistive Technology Meets Minnesota Statewide Assessments April 29, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30 pm Stacie Stensrud, MDE Alternate Assessment Specialist Lauren Walker, MDE Alternate Assessment Specialist Minnesota Statewide Assessments Graphic depiction of the four Minnesota standards-based assessments and the one federal criterion-referenced assessment. Assessment Data Sources Pie chart showing how data is used to make district, school and curriculum decisions. The largest portion is data from the school, then data from the district, then data from the state. A small sliver is emphasized showing the small amount of data from statewide assessments. Alternate MCA Redesign Timelines Date Science Reading Math Administration Mode Spring25 * Alternate MCA MTAS MTAS MTAS –paper only Alternate MCA –Online, paper or hybrid available Spring26 * Alternate MCA * Alternate MCA MTAS MTAS –paper only Alternate MCA -Online, paper or hybrid available Spring27 * Alternate MCA *Alternate MCA MTAS –paper onlyMTAS Alternate MCA -Online, paper or hybrid available Spring28 * Alternate MCA * Alternate MCA * Anticipated Alternate MCA Online, paper or hybrid available Assistive Technology Definition The term assistive technology device means “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. IDEA 2004 for Part B — now requires student planning teams (e.g., IEP, ITP) to consider whether AT devices and services are needed for each student who qualifies for special education services (34 C.F.R. §300.324(a)(2)(v)). Assistive Technology Test Forms Separate TestNav forms allow AT devices to interact directly with the test in order tomaintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of a student with disabilities: •Screen reader AT form •Non-screen reader AT Form Assistive Technology Screen Reader Form Details of the Screen reader AT From •Limits item types and online tools to those that are keyboard operable and supported by screen readers •Designed to be used with Screen readers and Braille Devices •Need to verify that the AT device will work with TestNav by using the AT Checker •Can include AT devices or software/tools that interact with the TestNav form •Braille materials are designed to be used with the AT Form •Script can be used Assistive Technology Non-screen Reader Form Details of the Non-screen reader AT From •For use with AT devices other than Screen Readers and Braille Devices •Need to verify that the AT device will work with TestNav by using the AT Checker •Can include AT devices or software/tools that interact with the TestNav form •Braille materials are designed to be used with the AT Form •Script can be used •Common devices include switches, head mouse, screen magnification tool Science Alt MCA Assistive Technology Examples of AT available for the Science Alt MCA •Assistive Technology Forms oScreen Reader and Non - screen reader forms •Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices •Eye Gaze Technology Devices •Switches •Head Mouse Science MCA Assistive Technology Devices and Software Examples of AT available for the Science MCA •Assistive Technology Forms oScreen Reader and Non - screen reader forms •Switches •Head Mouse •Electronic Calculators •CoWriter / Read&Write for short response items •Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices •Eye Gaze Technology Devices Considerations for Using Assistive Technology Devices and Software for the Science MCA Guidelines to consider for using AT devices on the Science MCA •Individual setting is needed due to test security •Check memory - enabled devices before testing and disable any stored programs and applications •Record use of device and the person deleting the test content on the Test Administration Report (TAR) •Student owned devices require MDE approval •Bluetooth is allowed for AT use When Does an AT Device need approval for the Science MCA? These are the approved uses of AT devices for the MCA: •Used for scratch paper •Used as a calculator •Electronic notetaker for braille •Used with an AT form All other uses of AT devices and student owned devices need to have MDE approval. Email mde.testing@state.mn.us to request approval or ask questions . Guidelines for Using Assistive Technology Online Forms •Student AT devices need to be checked with TestNav to ensure the device is compatible and functions as expected •Students should practice using their device with TestNav to be familiar with how the device functions •District Assessment Coordinators need to create test tickets for TestNav •Access the Guidelines for Using Assistive Technology Online Forms and PearsonAccess Next Training Center https://minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com/assistive-technology/ 2026 Reading MCA-IV Updates The Reading MCA - IV will include new accommodations for students: •Screen Reader Assistive Technology version will be an approved accommodation for a small number of students with documented blindness or vision impairments that severely limits or prevents them from accessing printed text and have not yet learned braille. •Read aloud accommodations (human script, Text to Speech) will be an approved accommodation for a small number of students: owith documented blindness or vision impairments that severely limits or prevents them from accessing printed text and have not yet learned braille that do not use screen readers. owith deafness or a hearing impairment whose print disability is due to a documented history of early and prolonged language deprivation. New Reading MCA-IV Accommodations in 2026 New accommodation for all students who use assistive technology that interacts with the test form: A Non - Screen Reader version for use with other AT devices (ex. using switches or a head mouse) 2026 Alt MCA Updates Reading Alt MCA will have Assistive Technology Forms •Screen Reader version •Non-Screen Reader version for use with other AT devices Student Readiness Tools (SRT) Minnesota Alternate Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Student Readiness Tool webpage. Accessing the Student Readiness Tools (SRT) Access the Science Alt MCA SRT Video and Online Test Form ohttps://minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com/readiness-tools/ oScroll down to the Online Alternate MCA Student Readiness Tools (SRTs) button and select, then select the play arrow on the SRT Image. Select the “Online Form” button below the video to access the Online test form. Charting the Cs Conference logo with black and blue text Thank you! Stacie Stensrud & Lauren Walker Alt.assessment.mde@state.mn.us 651-582-8384