Read-aloud accommodation
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A read-aloud accommodation has text, directions or test items read aloud to the student by a person or by text-to-speech software.
Topic: Accommodations, modifications and instruction
In plain terms
Read-aloud lets a student who has trouble decoding access content in science, social studies or math. It can cover directions only, test questions, or full passages. On reading tests that measure decoding or reading comprehension, reading the passage aloud changes what is measured, so states often limit it there.
How it shows up in an IEP
Say exactly what is read and by whom: "math and science test items read by text-to-speech; directions read by the teacher." Read-aloud supports access while reading goals target the decoding skills themselves.
Example
A seventh grader with dyslexia listens to the science textbook with text-to-speech and has test questions read aloud, while working on decoding goals in a daily intervention class.
The rule
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- Text-to-speechText-to-speech is technology that reads digital text aloud, often highlighting words as they are spoken.
- Presentation accommodationA presentation accommodation changes how information is given to a student, such as reading aloud, large print, braille or visual supports.
- Testing accommodationsTesting accommodations are changes to how a test is given or answered that let a student show what they know without changing what the test measures.
- DyslexiaDyslexia is a specific learning disability that mainly affects accurate, fluent word reading and spelling, often rooted in processing speech sounds.
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