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SSD Accommodation: Braille
AP Coordinator Experience
Overview
This video explains how to prepare for and administer AP exams for students with visual impairments who are approved for Braille accommodations by the College Board's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. It covers two main testing formats: digital exams with refreshable Braille displays or screen readers, and traditional paper Braille exams. The guide emphasizes thorough preparation, including reviewing materials, assigning rooms and proctors, and understanding specific handling procedures for Braille exam booklets and answer sheets. It also details on-the-day administration, break procedures, and post-exam material collection and reporting, all aimed at ensuring a smooth and successful testing experience for students.
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Chapters
- Students approved for Braille accommodations can use either digital AP exams with refreshable Braille displays/screen readers or paper Braille exams.
- Paper Braille exam shipments include the Braille booklet, a regular format reader copy, answer sheets, and instructions.
- Specialized materials like audio CDs or the Nemeth Code Guide may be included based on the exam subject.
Knowing the available formats and included materials is crucial for effective planning and ensuring students have the correct resources for their exam.
AP World Language or AP Music Theory exams might include audio CDs as part of the Braille shipment.
- Download student lists with approved Braille accommodations and confirm individual student plans.
- Assign a separate, quiet testing room and identify trained proctors and necessary equipment.
- Print the Non-standard Administration Report (NAR) if required for students with accommodations.
- Prepare the testing room and equipment in advance, and ensure proctors are set up in the Test Day Toolkit.
Proactive preparation minimizes disruptions and stress on exam day, ensuring all logistical and technical needs are met for a fair testing environment.
Confirming that students have reviewed tools like the Nemeth Code Guide before the exam begins.
- On exam day, log into Test Day Toolkit, read directions, check students in, and provide the start code.
- Ensure AP ID labels are correctly placed and assist students with identification.
- Students may use specific tools like a Braille writer, computer, or writer scribe during section one.
- For digital exams, Braille writing software or speech-to-text can be utilized; for paper exams, manual or electronic Braille writers are options.
Correct administration procedures, including the use of approved tools and proper labeling, are essential for exam integrity and accurate scoring.
Students approved for refreshable Braille will test digitally using a refreshable Braille device.
- Proctors must supervise students at all times, especially during staggered breaks.
- For paper Braille exams, each response in section two must start on a new page, including the exam title, question number, and AP ID.
- Digital exams (section two) are completed in Bluebook; hybrid exams involve reading in Bluebook and answering in a free response booklet.
- Ensure each student's exam shows as submitted in Test Day Toolkit upon completion.
Adhering to break supervision rules and specific formatting requirements for responses ensures fairness and compliance with testing regulations.
If a student provides no response to a question, the proctor must indicate 'no response' on the answer sheet.
- Collect all exam materials meticulously, including scratch paper, booklets, answer sheets, and any loaned devices.
- Complete the NAR for students who tested with accommodations.
- Return all collected materials and completed reports to the AP coordinator as instructed.
- Refer to the AP Accommodations Guide for comprehensive details on all accommodation procedures.
Proper material collection and reporting are vital for maintaining exam security, accurate record-keeping, and fulfilling administrative requirements.
Collecting loaned devices like calculators or chargers after the exam concludes.
Key takeaways
- Thorough preparation, including understanding accommodation options and logistical details, is key to successfully administering Braille AP exams.
- Both digital and paper Braille formats require specific handling procedures that proctors must be familiar with.
- Continuous supervision of students is mandatory throughout the entire exam period, including breaks.
- Accurate documentation, such as completing the NAR, is a critical post-exam responsibility.
- Proactive communication and confirmation of student needs and plans reduce exam-day stress.
- Always consult the official AP Accommodations Guide for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
Key terms
SSD AccommodationBrailleRefreshable Braille DisplayScreen ReaderPaper Braille ExamProctorTest Day ToolkitNemeth Code GuideNAR (Non-standard Administration Report)Bluebook
Test your understanding
- What are the two primary formats for AP exams offered to students with approved Braille accommodations?
- Why is it important to review all exam materials, including the reader copy and instructions, before exam day?
- How should proctors ensure exam integrity when students are using specialized tools like Braille writers or screen readers?
- What specific information must be included on each response page for a paper Braille exam's section two?
- What are the essential post-exam tasks for a proctor administering Braille accommodations?