Accommodations for English Learners

Word-to-word dictionaries and word-to-word glossaries (English/Native Language)

The student uses an allowable bilingual, word-to-word dictionary or glossary. Dictionaries and glossaries that include definitions, phrases, sentences, or pictures are prohibited. An electronic dictionary that meets the above criteria may be used, but the electronic translator must not connect to the Internet or store information. The student should be familiar with the dictionary or glossary used during testing and must be able to use it independently.

Translation devices and software (ScanMarker, Forum, Vavus, Google Translate, etc.) are not permitted during any Ohio’s State Tests (OST) administration.

English learners may use approved bilingual word-to-word dictionaries and glossaries on all Ohio’s State Tests, including tests of English language arts, even though oral translation or interpretation of the English language arts tests is not allowed.

If electronic dictionaries are used by a student during testing, Department guidelines on the use of this technology must be followed to maintain the security and validity of the assessment. Although some technology may be useful during a daily academic setting, technology that has functionality that violates test security guidelines may not be used during a state assessment.

While this accommodation is allowed for any student currently identified and reported as an English learner, this accommodation is recommended for English learners with intermediate to advanced English proficiency and may not be appropriate for beginning-level or younger English learners.

Lists of approved dictionaries and glossaries known to meet the criteria for allowable dictionaries for statewide testing:

• The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s list of bilingual word-to-word dictionaries (opens as a Word.doc)

• ACT-Authorized Bilingual Word-to-Word Dictionaries (opens as a PDF)

•  College Board-Approved Word-to-Word Glossaries for the SAT Suite of Assessments (opens as a PDF)

• New York University, Steinhardt, Glossaries for English Learners and Multilingual Language Learners. These glossaries may be downloaded, printed, and disseminated to educators, parents, and English learners at no cost.

(Page 35)