Accessibility Supports for Smarter Balanced Assessments - Table 1SB: Embedded Universal Tools

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

Accessibility supports for Smarter Balanced assessments are organized into embedded and non-embedded universal tools. Embedded tools include breaks management, on-screen calculator access for approved items, a digital notepad with segment-specific saving limits, English dictionary and glossary for ELA tasks, expandable passages, global notes across ELA segments, and assistive features such as highlighter, keyboard navigation, and mark for review. Non-embedded tools cover options like paper-based breaks and supporting reference materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Table 1SB: Embedded Universal Tools

Universal Tools and Descriptions

Table 2 SB: Non-embedded Universal Tools

Accessibility Supports for Smarter Balanced Assessments Table 1SB: Embedded Universal Tools | Universal Tool | Description | | --- | --- | | Breaks | The number of items per session can be flexibly defined based on the student’s need. Breaks of more than 20 minutes will prevent the student from returning to items already attempted by the student. There is no limit on the number of breaks that a student might be given. The use of this universal tool may result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. See Section 4.5 Testing Time and Recommended Order of Administration of the Test Administration Manual for guidance on estimated testing times for online assessments. | | Calculator (for calculator-allowed items only)(See Non-embedded Accommodations for students who cannot use the embedded calculator) | An embedded on-screen digital calculator can be accessed for calculatorallowed items when students click on the calculator button. This tool is available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicated that it would be appropriate. When the embedded calculator, as presented for all students, is not appropriate fora student (for example, for a student who is blind), the student may use the calculator offered with assistive technology devices (such as a talking calculator or a braille calculator) . | | Digital notepad | This tool is used for making notes about an item. The digital notepad is item-specific and is available through the end of the test segment. Notes are not saved when the student moves on to the next segment or after a break of more than 20 minutes. | | English Dictionary (for ELA-performance task full writes) | An English dictionary may be available for the full write portion of an ELA performance task, pending contractual discussions. A full write is the second part of a performance task. The use of this universal tool may result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. | | English glossary | Grade-and context-appropriate definitions of specific construct-irrelevant terms are shown in English on the screen via a pop-up window. The student can access the embedded glossary by clicking on any of the preselected terms. The use of this Universal Tool may result in the student needing additional overall time to complete the assessment. | | Expandable passages | Each passage or stimulus can be expanded so that it takes up a larger portion of the screen. | | Global notes (for ELA performance tasks) | Global notes is a notepad that is available for ELA performance tasks in which students complete a full write. A full write is the second part of a performance task. The student clicks on the notepad icon for the notepad to appear. During the ELA performance tasks, the notes are retained from segment to segment so that the student may go back to the notes even though the student is not able to go back to specific items in the previous segment. | | Highlighter | A digital tool for marking desired text, item questions, item answers, or parts of these with a color. Highlighted text remains available throughout each test segment. | | Keyboard navigation | Navigation throughout text can be accomplished by using a keyboard. | Accessibility Supports for Smarter Balanced Assessments Table 1 SB: Embedded Universal Tools | Universal Tool | Description | | --- | --- | | Mark for review | Allows students to flag items for future review during the assessment. Markings are not saved when the student moves on to the next segment or after a break of more than 20 minutes. | | Math tools | These digital tools (i.e., embedded ruler, embedded protractor) are used for measurements related to math items. They are available only with the specific items for which the Smarter Balanced Item Specifications indicate that one or more of these tools would be appropriate. | | Spell check (for ELA items) | Writing tool for checking the spelli

FAQs

How do embedded breaks work during a Smarter Balanced assessment?

The number of items per session can be adjusted based on student need. Breaks longer than 20 minutes prevent returning to items already attempted, though there is no limit on the number of breaks a student may receive.

When can students use the embedded calculator?

The embedded on-screen calculator is available only for calculator-allowed items when students click the calculator button. If the embedded calculator is not appropriate for a student (for example, for a blind student), the student may use a calculator offered with assistive technology devices.

What are the note-saving limits for the digital notepad?

The digital notepad is item-specific and available through the end of the test segment. Notes are not saved when the student moves to the next segment or after a break of more than 20 minutes.

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret