Understanding math aids and preparing for Virginia’s state testing
What are “math aids?”
Math aids, as defined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) (Virginia Department of Education, 2024), are specialized tools that provide students with disabilities equitable access to mathematics instruction and assessments. These accommodations are not designed to improve performance beyond access; rather, they help ensure that students can meaningfully participate in the Virginia Assessment Program (i.e., SOLs) without altering the construct being measured (Virginia Department of Education, 2024). To maintain assessment integrity, all math aids must be documented in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and must already be used routinely during instruction (Virginia Department of Education, 2024). Introducing an unfamiliar math aid on test day is not permitted and constitutes a testing irregularity.
VDOE provides clear guidance on the types of math aids that are and are not allowed. Allowed math aids include tools that support access without providing answers or mathematical processes. For example, arithmetic tools such as arithmetic tables or charts may be used; however, if they serve the same function as a four‑function calculator, the IEP team must complete the Calculator Accommodation Criteria Form (Virginia Department of Education, 2024). Some of the other allowable math aids include hundreds charts, number lines, alignment aids, blank fraction circles, blank colored shapes, and real coins and bills (Virginia Department of Education, 2024). A few of the math aids you may use in your classroom, but are not permitted during state testing, include place‑value charts, fraction charts, measurement or conversion charts, rounding charts, money equivalency charts, vocabulary charts, problem‑solving steps or keywords, and elapsed‑time rulers (Virginia Department of Education, 2024). Please review the VDOE’s Explanation of Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities for more examples of math aids that are and are not allowed during state testing.
How can a student access their allowable math aids on test day?
All schools should have a process for preparing the allowable math aids for each student prior to the day of testing and you should contact your school or division’s testing coordinator for specific details, but here are a few suggestions:
- The student’s case manager should collaborate with the student’s math teacher to identify which allowable math aids the student has used this school year and provide a specific list to the testing coordinator.
- With the specific math aids identified, the case manager or testing coordinator should collect each math aid and organize them in a manner that will make it easy to disseminate on testing day. For example, put math aids in a plastic bag, plastic tub, or basket.
- Put the student’s name on the collection of math aids, so there is no confusion as to who is allowed to use those specific math aids.
- Once the testing coordinator has identified the proctor for test day, the testing coordinator or case manager should discuss the use of math aids with the proctor so they understand why they are being provided on test day; this provides time before test day to answer any questions.
I have questions. Who should I contact?
Here is the VDOE’s Explanation of Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. In addition, you can reach out to the VDOE’s Office of Student Assessment.
For more information, contact Leslie Murphy Brown ([email protected]), Program Specialist, T/TAC at VCU.
Categories Inclusive Practices, Math