All ELLs should participate in EQAO if they have acquired the level of proficiency in English required for success (i.e. are on a higher STEP). All ELLs may use a dual language dictionary or resource, translated one word at a time, for writing only, and a dual language resource to translate larger amounts of text for math only. ELLs who require special provisions and/or permitted accommodations are entitled to them, regardless of whether or not they are receiving direct support from an ESL or ELD teacher.
If special provisions need to be made because a student is on a lower STEP (they have not reached the level of proficiency in English required for success), the following process ensues:
ELLs and EQAO
Resources:
Before EQAO
If it is deemed a student cannot complete the assessment despite the provided accommodations, the school administrator, in consultation with parents and appropriate staff will determine, on an individual basis, if a student should be exempt from parts of the EQAO assessment. Exemptions are granted under the following circumstances:
Writing:
Students who cannot complete the assessment online or on a printed copy with permitted accommodations.
Reading
If the student has to be read to by a teacher or another adult and cannot complete the assessment online or on a printed copy with permitted accommodations.
Math:
If the student requires mathematics terms to be defined and students who cannot complete the assessment online or on a printed copy with permitted accommodations.
THEN
School administrators ensure the provisions/accommodations are made before administering EQAO.
The provisions/accommodations must be recorded in the e-assessment system.
School Board must ensure the IT department grants access to translation tools to ELLs prior to administering EQAO.
The provisions/accommodations for students on lower STEP levels include
dual language resource for all ELLs (must be monitored to ensure students are translating one word at a time), as well as:
- Extended breaks
- Alternative version
- Verbatim scribing
- Sign language/Oral interpreter
- Additional assistive technology (Google Read & Write/Kurzweil)
FIRST
The school administrator, in consultation with parents and appropriate staff will determine, on an individual basis, if a student requires special provisions/accommodations above and beyond the basic provisions made according to the User Guide for the Administration of the Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary and Junior Divisions.
