Accommodations
PCAP aims to be as inclusive as possible, and all students are encouraged to participate. If a student has the cognitive ability to understand the assessment instructions and to respond to the assessment, they should participate.
| Student exemption |
Class exemption |
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A principal may exempt a student if:
- the assessment may be detrimental to the student; or
- available accommodations do not meet the student’s needs.
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A principal may exempt a whole class if:
- every student has been assessed and has a special education need (SEN) code; AND
- appropriate accommodations are not available for all students to participate.
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Note: Do not exempt a student solely because of poor academic performance, typical behavioural challenges, or self-regulation concerns.
Individualized Supports
Students may use an accommodation only if they have a SEN code and normally receive the accommodation during their regular school learning.
All accommodations must be requested in advance on the Student Identification Form.
Audio (Code A)
(alternative format)
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Students will use the text-to-speech tool built into the assessment platform. External tools (e.g., Google Read & Write) are not permitted.
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Braille (Code B)
(alternative format)
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Schools will receive the required number of Braille prior to their assessment day.
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Large print (Code L)
(alternative format)
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Schools will receive the large print assessments prior to their assessment day.
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Additional time (Code T)
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Students will receive an additional 60 minutes to complete their assessment.
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Additional or extended breaks (Code K)
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Students may take an additional break or extend their existing break.
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Alternate environment (Code E)
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Students can write in an alternate setting.
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Scribe (Code S)
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A staff member writes down the student’s dictated responses verbatim during the assessment.
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Resources offered to ALL students
PCAP uses a sans-serif font to support students with dyslexic reading needs.
A built-in toolbar is also available to all students.
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Zoom In/Zoom Out
The font size of the scenario texts and questions can be adjusted.
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Line Reader
A line reader tool can assist with visual tracking and with blocking distractions while reading.
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Highlighter
A highlighter tool can be used on the scenario text and questions.
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Eraser
An eraser can be used to remove unwanted additions.
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Background Colour
The background colour can be adjusted.
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Notes
A notepad tool can support students in organizing thoughts and planning responses.
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Calculator
A calculator can be used within the assessment platform.
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Standalone physical aids
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All students can use:
- Pencil or pen, eraser, and blank paper for rough work
- Dictionary
- Bilingual dictionary (e.g., English to French, or any other language combination)
- Thesaurus
- Graphing or non-graphing calculator
- Manipulatives
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