Is it permissible to highlight or use colored pencils on graphs on State assessments to make a graph or illustration more visible for a student with visual impairments?
Yes. This is permissible only if indicated in the students IEP/504 Plan as a testing accommodation needed in order to enhance the contrast on the item for the student or help to distinguish art from text. In this case, the entire graphic must be highlighted or colored so that the students attention may not be drawn to a particular element presented in the graph or illustration. Please note: Schools may permit students to use highlighters when taking State assessments. Proctors must monitor student use of highlighters to ensure that they are not being used by students to record their responses to questions that must be answered in pencil and that the use of the highlighters does not obscure the students’ responses to open-ended questions.
Related Questions
- Is it permissible to highlight or use colored pencils on graphs on State assessments to make a graph or illustration more visible for a student with visual impairments?
- Is it permissible to use templates or graph paper as a testing accommodation for State assessments?
- Is it permissible to simplify questions when State assessments are being read?
