Configuring and Navigating Tests with JAWS

Configure JAWS before students use it for computer-based testing. This section contains the instructions for the following tasks:

Configuration

The configuration instructions in this subsection apply to JAWS 2022, JAWS 2023, and JAWS 2024 as well as Fusion.

Configuring JAWS to Recognize the Secure Browser

Take the following step to associate the current-year secure browser with JAWS:

  1. Open the JAWS ConfigNames.ini file. This file may appear in two folders. Depending on how JAWS is installed on the device, both files may need to be modified.

    1. Start ➔ All Programs ➔ JAWS [version year] ➔ Explore JAWS ➔ Explore Shared Settings (required)
    2. Start ➔ All Programs ➔ JAWS [version year] ➔ Explore JAWS ➔ Explore My Settings (optional)
  2. In the ConfigNames.ini file, locate the line of text that contains firefox:3=firefox. At the end of this line, press [Enter] on the keyboard to create a new line.
  3. In the new line, type in the following character string: CASecureBrowser17=firefox (no ending punctuation).

  4. If the JAWS version is 2022, update the URL in the regex: line after the ;CAI testing: line of the ConfigNames.ini file so that it reads as regex:https:\/\/.*\.cambiumtds(uat)?\.com\/student.*=CAI Testing (starting with “regex” and stopping at “Testing”) (highlighted in figure 1).

    Notepad window opened to the ConfigNames file displaying ;CAI testing: and then press Enter again and type regex:https:\/\/.*\.cambiumtds(uat)?\.com\/student.*=CAI Testing.

    Figure 1. ConfigNames file—regex line

  5. Save the file. If it cannot be saved directly, save it to the Windows Desktop and then copy the ConfigNames.ini file to the location described in step 1.
  6. Take the following optional steps to verify proper configuration:
    1. Open the secure browser while JAWS is running.
    2. Hold down the [Insert] key or the JAWS key while pressing [Q] twice.
    3. Proper configuration is verified when a message opens in a pop-up window, indicating that secure browser settings are being used in the CASecureBrowser.exe application and that the configuration name is “CAI Testing.”

Registering AccessibleHandler.dll

Register AccessibleHandler.dll on the student’s testing device to ensure that JAWS works properly with the secure browser. These steps should be taken for all supported versions of JAWS.

  1. Take these steps to open the Program Files folder:
    1. Access the Start menu.
    2. Search for File Explorer and then press [Enter] on the keyboard to open it.
    3. In the left panel, select the folder for the local disk (C:) under This PC.
  2. Open the Program Files folder and then locate CASecureBrowser, the folder where the secure browser resides.
  3. Find the Windows batch file with the name RegisterAccessibilityLibs.
    1. Right-click on the RegisterAccessibilityLibs.bat file and select Run as Administrator. If prompted to choose between “Yes” and “No” in a pop-up box, select [Yes].
  4. A command prompt window appears briefly with a message confirming successful registration.
  5. A message appears indicating that the action was successful. Select [OK]; the command window automatically closes.

Applying Settings for Contracted or Uncontracted Braille

For students to use contracted or uncontracted literary braille with their RBD, the correct JAWS setting must be applied prior to launching the secure browser. Braille mode settings also need to be selected.

  1. Open JAWS and then select the Utilities menu. In the Utilities menu, select Settings Center. The Settings Center, shown in figure 2, will open.

    JAWS Settings center window with the Translation settings displayed along with the Apply and OK buttons.

    Figure 2. JAWS Settings Center, Contracted Braille Translation screen

  2. From the Application drop-down list at the top of the Settings Center screen, select Default (All Applications) (indicated in figure 2).
  3. Take the following actions; these options are also indicated in figure 2:
    1. Scroll down to the “Braille” section in the Search for settings panel displayed on the left side and expand the General and then Translation subsettings. The Settings Center window displays the options for braille translation.
    2. In the “Translation” section, verify the Language drop-down list is set to English – United States.
    3. Select a braille type:
      • For a student who prefers uncontracted braille, select Unified English Braille Grade 1 from the Output drop-down list.

      • For a student who prefers contracted braille, select Unified English Braille Grade 2 from the Output and Input drop-down lists.

  4. In the Braille Mode section, ensure that the four settings that follow—and shown in figure 3—are checked (and only these settings are checked):
    1. Active cursor follows Braille display
    2. Braille display or cursor follows Active cursor
    3. Enable Word Wrap

    4. Auto Detect Braille Display using Bluetooth (if available)

      The Braille Mode section of the Translations settings window with the settings mentioned in the previous list checked.

      Figure 3. Braille Mode settings

  5. Select the [Apply] button and then select the [OK] button.

Setting the Placement of Status Cells

The instructions in this subsection will ensure that status cells are not shown on the RBD. Status cells are designated cells on an RDB designed to provide the user with information such as line number, column number, or the active JAWS screen reader cursor. Take these steps to set the placement of status cells to None:

  1. Select Advanced under Braille in the Search for settings panel on the left.
  2. In the Placement of Status cells section of the Advanced panel on the right, make sure the None radio button is selected.
  3. Select the [Apply] button and then select the [OK] button.

Configuring JAWS to Speak “Dollars”

The instructions in this subsection will ensure that JAWS reads numbers preceded by a dollar symbol ($) using the dollars and cents format correctly if the dollar symbol appears in the test content.

  1. Open JAWS and then select the Utilities menu. In the Utilities menu, select Settings Center. The Settings Center will open.
  2. In the “Search for settings” panel on the left side, scroll down to the Text Processing section and expand the subsettings.

  3. Select Number And Date Processing and then Speak Dollars from the Settings Center (figure 4).

    Number and date processing window displaying the Speak Dollars checkbox indicated.

    Figure 4. Setting Center Number And Date Processing options

  4. Check the box for Speak Dollars.
  5. Select [Apply] and then select [OK].

Optional JAWS Voice Adjustment Settings

JAWS voice settings may be adjusted for a student on the basis of the student’s individual needs. Voice Profile, Speaking Rate, and Punctuation must be set prior to administering assessments. Instructions for each setting follow.

Opening the JAWS Voice Adjustment Window

Open JAWS and select the Options menu. In the Options menu, select Voices and then Voice Adjustment, which is shown in figure 5. The Voice Adjustment interface will open. When all settings are saved, select [OK].

The Voice Adjustment window in JAWS indicating the Profile Name, Rate, and Punctuation settings.

Figure 5. Opening the Voice Adjustment interface

Voice Profile
  1. Select a Voice Profile from the Profile Name drop-down list (indicated in figure 6).
  2. Select the [Apply] button.
Voice Rate
  1. In the “Voice” section that is indicated in figure 6, drag the slider to the desired rate of speed. The lower the rate, the slower the words will be read aloud.
  2. Select [Apply].
Punctuation
  1. In the “Voice” section that is indicated in figure 6, select the Punctuation drop-down list. Select from the following options: None, Some, Most, and All.
  2. Select [Apply].

This subsection provides an overview of how students can navigate through the test and test questions using JAWS commands.

As TAs and TEs work with students to familiarize them with using the TDS, they should make students aware that the braille transcriptions may not follow the usual braille rules. TAs, TEs, and students should review the information in this subsection prior to taking a practice or training test or operational assessment.

This subsection provides instructions about how students navigate the sign-in pages of the TDS. A student will take the following actions to navigate the Student Sign-In screen:

  • To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key.
  • To move to the [Return to Login] and [Begin Test Now] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key until the necessary button is reached.
  • To select the [Return to Login] or [Begin Test Now] button, the student presses [Enter].

Please Sign In Screen, Operational Assessment or Training Test

  1. The student opens JAWS on the local device.

  2. To access an operational or training test, the student opens the secure browser on the local device. The student Please Sign In screen, shown in figure 6, displays.

    Student Please Sign In screen with fields for First Name, SSID, and Session ID.

    Figure 6. Student Please Sign In screen

  3. If the student needs to take a practice test, the student selects the [Go to the Practice and Training Test Site] button.
  4. On the Please Sign In web form, the student must enter a first name, SSID, and the session ID, and then select [Sign In].
    1. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the First Name field, where the student should enter a first name. (The student may need to press [space bar] before typing.)
    2. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the Student ID field, where the student should enter an SSID.
    3. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the first text box for the Session ID. If the first part of the session ID not already entered, the student should enter the first portion of the hyphenated text given by the TA or TE.
    4. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the second text box for the session ID and then enters the next set of hyphenated text given by the TA or TE.
    5. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the third text box for the session ID and then enters the remaining text given by the TA or TE.
    6. The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the [Sign In] button and then presses the [Enter] key to log on.

Please Sign In Screen, Practice and Training Tests

  1. To access a practice test as a guest, a student accesses the CAASPP & ELPAC Website and selects the [Practice and Training Tests] button to open the Practice and Training Tests web page.
  2. A student selects the [Student Access to Tests] button.

  3. On the Practice and Training Test Sign In screen, the student should select (click) the toggles next to Guest User and Guest Session so they read Off. These toggles are indicated in figure 7.

    Student Sign In screen for practice and training tests with toggles for guest user and guest session indicated.

    Figure 7. Please Sign In screen for the practice and training tests

  4. The student should enter an SSID, first name, and the session ID, and then select the [Sign In] button.

    Optional: While the student may log on as a guest user, logging on with the student’s own SSID and First Name is recommended to aid tracking print requests on the Test Administrator Interface.

    Required: To enable print requests, the student must not use Guest Session. The Guest Session toggle should be toggled to Off.

Is This You? Screen

This screen requires students to verify personal information.

  1. On the Is This You? Screen (shown in figure 8), the student must verify personal information. If the information is correct, the student should select [Yes].
    1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key. The listed demographic information will be read aloud.
    2. To move to the [Yes] and [No] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key.
    3. To select the [Yes] or [No] button, the student presses [Enter].

    Is This You? student verification screen

    Figure 8. Is This You? Student verification screen

Your Tests Screen

This screen lists the available tests for the student’s grade level (figure 9). The student should first select a test category button, such as [Smarter Balanced Practice Tests] (indicated in figure 9).

Your Tests screen with categories of tests such as the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests and the California Science Test Practice Test. The Smarter Balanced Practice Tests button is indicated.

Figure 9. Practice test category selection

When selected, the options for that practice test open. Practice tests and training tests for the CAASPP are listed in a single column (figure 10). For the CAAs practice tests; CSA practice tests; and ELPAC practice tests and training tests, these are listed in two columns Students will hear the test name, then the opportunity number, and then the link to choose that test.

Lists of tests on the Your Tests screen with grade toggle and the list of grade five practice tests for Smarter Balanced assessments.

Figure 10. Student test selection

  1. To move to the first test listed on this screen, the student presses the [Tab] key.
  2. To navigate between the test names, the student presses the [Tab] key. For two-column presentations, the order of navigation is from left to right and top to bottom, in a zigzag pattern.
  3. To start or resume the test in focus, the student presses the [Enter] key.

Choose Settings

  1. On the next screen, Choose Settings, the student should verify that all test information is correct by reviewing the settings on the screen, displayed in figure 11.

    Choose Settings screen in a practice test that shows example test settings and the Select, Undo Changes, and Go Back buttons at the bottom of the screen.

    Figure 11. Choose Settings screen

    1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key.
    2. The student can toggle a setting by selecting it and then pressing the [space bar].
    3. The student presses [Enter] to select the [Select] button and confirm the settings.

Audio/Video Check

The student should verify the audio works on the Audio/Video Checks screen by pressing the [Enter] key to play the video and listen to the audio after JAWS reads “play video button” (figure 12). After verifying the video plays and hearing the sample audio, the student tabs to navigate to the [I could play the sound and video] button and then presses [Enter] or [space bar] to select this button.

Sound and Video Playback Check screen.

Figure 12. Audio/Video Checks screen

Instructions and Help and the Review Test Settings Pages

The Instructions and Help screen allows access to the student Help Guide and the Test Settings page. Students must access the Review Test Settings page to verify that all test information and settings are correct. Settings may be different for different assessments.

  1. After the student has been approved for starting an operational or practice assessment, the Instructions and Help screen, shown in figure 13, appears. The student has the option of continuing to the assessment, reviewing test settings, or reviewing the on-screen help.

    Instructions and Help screen with Begin Test Now button indicated.

    Figure 13. Instructions and Help screen

  2. The student should take the following steps to navigate the Instructions and Help screen. At any time, the student may [Tab] to the [Begin Test Now] button—indicated in figure 13—and press [Enter] to begin testing.
    1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key.
    2. To move to the [Return to Login] and [Begin Test now] buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key.
    3. To select the [Return to Login] or [Begin Test Now] button, the student presses [Enter].

  3. If taking a practice test or operational assessment, the student can opt to again verify that all test information is correct by selecting the [View Test Settings] button and reviewing the settings on the screen, displayed in figure 14.

    Choose Settings screen in a practice test that shows example test settings and the Select, Undo Changes, and Go Back buttons at the bottom of the screen.

    Figure 14. Review Test Settings screen

    1. To listen to each line of text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key.
    2. The student presses [Enter] to select the [Select] button and confirm the settings.
    3. If the information is not correct for an operational assessment, the student should navigate to the [Return to Login] button (not shown) and press [Enter], and then communicate the incorrect information to the TA or TE. If this a practice or training test, the student can toggle a setting by selecting it and then pressing [space bar].

  4. The student should select the [View Help Guide] button for additional information about the assessments, either CAASPP or the ELPAC. (The student presses the [Tab] key to navigate to the [View Help Guide] button and then presses [Enter].) The Help Guide screen, like the one shown in figure 15, appears.

    Help Guide with links to topics, including navigating the test with and without JAWS.

    Figure 15. Sample Test Instructions and Help screen

    1. The student presses [Tab] to navigate to the [Back] button and then presses [Enter] to return to the Instructions and Help screen.
  5. To proceed and start the test, the student should navigate to [Begin Test Now] and then press the [Enter] key.

This subsection provides instructions that describe how students can move around on a test page.

About Test Elements

A test page has up to three primary landmark elements: the Banner (test and student information) Region; Navigation and Test Tools Region; and Test Content Region, where the primary test content is located (shown in figure 16). Students navigate between these landmarks in JAWS by pressing the [R] key.

Practice test item with callout 1 that shows the banner region, callout 2 that shows the navigation and test tools region, and callout 3 that shows the test content region.

Figure 16. Example test page in streamlined mode

  1. Banner Region: The banner contains the test information row, which displays the current question number(s), test name, student name, test settings button, pause button, and help button.
  2. Navigation and Test Tools Region: This region displays the navigation and tool buttons.
  3. Test Content Region: This section contains the test content, which has the following parts:
    • Stimulus: The “Stimulus” region contains the following elements:
      • Stimulus title
      • Stimulus context menu
      • Stimulus content
    • Question: Each question in the “Question” region contains the following elements:
      • Question number
      • Question labels
      • Question context menu
      • Question stem
      • Response area or answer options

JAWS Keyboard Commands

A student uses the keyboard commands in table 1 through table 4 to navigate within a test page. A student using RBDs with router keys may also press the router key above the text for a button to move the cursor to that button. The student can press the router key again to select that button instead of using the provided keyboard commands.

The actions associated with each JAWS keyboard command depend on the context in which the students presses the key—the same key may have different effects depending on whether the student is on the sign-in pages, the test pages, or within the items and stimuli of the test pages.

A student uses Forms Mode to navigate within an element, such as a listbox, which allows multiselection of options in the list. Forms Mode should either be activated automatically when focus is brought to that element using [Tab] or by pressing [Enter] on the element. The arrow keys should then be used. To exit Forms Mode, a student must press Num Pad [+] (the plus key on the keyboard numbers pad) or [Esc]. This allows a page’s content, including plain text such as test questions, to be read in detail.

About JAWS Keyboard Commands: The commands in table 1 through table 4 are a subset of all available JAWS commands. For students to use these keyboard commands, permissive mode must be enabled in the TDS and JAWS must not be in Forms Mode.

Navigating Sign-In Pages with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Table 1. JAWS Keyboard Commands for the Sign-In Page
Action Keyboard Command
Returns the focus to the secure browser if the student navigates to the JAWS application window while signing in (Keyboard layouts may vary by device. Please refer to the manual provided by the device manufacturer for more information.) [JAWS modifier key] + [F10] (standard keyboard)
Returns the focus to the secure browser if the student navigates to the JAWS application window while signing in (Keyboard layouts may vary by device. Please refer to the manual provided by the device manufacturer for more information.) [Space bar] + [S] (Perkins braille keyboard)
Moves the focus to the next field or button on the page [Tab]
Moves the focus to the previous field or button on the page [Shift] + [Tab]
Reads the next line on the page [Down] Arrow
Reads the previous line on the page [Up] Arrow
Selects the button, link, or control that is currently in focus [Enter]
Navigating Test Pages with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Table 2. JAWS Keyboard Commands for a Test Page
Action Keyboard Command

Navigates to the next landmark element on the page; a test page has up to three primary landmark regions:

  • Banner Region at top of screen displaying the current question numbers, test name, student name, [Test Settings] icon, [Pause] icon, and [Help] icon
  • Navigation and Test Tools Region with navigation and tool icons
  • Test Content Region with the following sections:
    • Stimulus Section: Contains the stimulus title, stimulus context menu, and stimulus content
    • Question Section: Contains a question number, question labels (labels that appear when an item is marked for review, printed, or had a note entered), question context menu, question prompt, and the response area
 [R]

Jumps to the next heading on the page; in general, the following test components are defined with a heading:

  • Test name (H1)
  • Student name (H2)
  • Passage title (H3)
  • Question number (H3) (not the actual question text)

On test pages that have multiple questions, a student can jump directly from one question to the next. To do so, the student should press the [H] key and then press the [Down] arrow twice. The question prompt will then be read aloud.

 [H]
Jumps to the previous region on the page [Shift] + [R]
Jumps to the previous heading on the page [Shift] + [H]

Moves to the next component on the page; in general, the following test elements are components:

  • Navigation and tool buttons
  • Question number (and associated prompt text)
  • Context menu
  • Response options
 [Tab]
Moves to the previous component on the page [Shift] + [Tab]
Selects a button or response option or opens a context menu [Enter]
Moves to the next line on the page [Down] Arrow
Moves to the previous line on the page [Up] Arrow
Reads everything on the page (from the current point of focus) [JAWS modifier key] + [Down] Arrow
Stops JAWS from reading [Ctrl]
Opening and Using Context Menus with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Table 3. JAWS Keyboard Commands for Context Menus
Action Keyboard Command
Opens the context menu when JAWS reads “menu button” (This is the only way to open the context menu when streamlined mode is turned on.) [Enter]
Moves the focus to the next option in the menu, which JAWS will read aloud [Down] Arrow
Moves the focus to the previous option in the menu, which JAWS will read aloud [Up] Arrow
Selects the menu option currently in focus [Space bar]
Closes the context menu without selecting any option [Esc]
Responding to Items with JAWS Keyboard Commands

Table 4. JAWS Keyboard Commands for Item Responses
Action Keyboard Command
  • Navigates to the item prompt
  • Navigates to the response area (A student may need to press [Tab] multiple times depending on the item type and whether any question labels appear for the item.)
  • Navigates between each answer option, text box, selectable text field, keypad button, or checkbox, depending on the item type, in the response area for an item
 [Tab]
Navigates to the previous answer option, text box, selectable text field, keypad button, or checkbox, depending on the item type [Shift] + [Tab]
  • Moves between each answer option for multiple-choice and multiselect items.
  • Moves between each line of text in the item for edit task choice items (After a student opens an Edit menu by pressing [space bar], the arrow keys can be used to move between the answer options in the drop-down list.)
 [Up] and [Down] Arrows
  • Selects the answer option in focus for multiple-choice and multiselect items
  • Opens the Edit menu in which students type or select a response for edit task items
  • Marks the checkbox in focus for table match items
 [Space bar]
  • Chooses the selectable text area in focus as the answer option for hot text items
  • Selects an answer option from the drop-down list in the Edit menu for edit task choice items
  • Selects the keypad button in focus for equation items
 [Enter]
Opens a pop-up menu with special characters for equation items (A student can use the arrow keys to move between the special characters in the list and then press [Enter] to insert a special character in the response area.) [Alt] + [7]

Context Menus

The first question or element on a test page will automatically be selected (that is, “in focus”). Any action taken with a keyboard, mouse, or adaptive peripheral device on a selected element will cause a reaction in that element. Pressing the [Tab] key moves through the elements on a page. For example, pressing [space bar] while navigating the page from which figure 17 was excerpted would cause the toggle next to Permissive Mode to reset to “ON” (from its present position of “OFF”).

Page excerpt showing an element in focus, with the Permissive Mode toggle called out.

Figure 17. Page excerpt showing an element in focus

A border with a solid or dotted line, a highlight, and a blinking cursor are common, visual indications that an element is in focus.

The instructions in this subsection assume the student wants to open the context menu for the active (in focus) landmark element on the page and has not yet used the [Tab] key to navigate anywhere.

  1. The student should ensure the focus is on the element—stimulus or question—for which the context menu is being opened.
  2. To navigate directly to the context menu button, the student presses the [Tab] key twice to display the context menu button. JAWS will read the context menu as “Menu button.”

  3. The student presses the [Enter] key to open the context menu and display the list of available menu options, as shown in figure 18. JAWS will read aloud the first item in the menu (for example, “Item Tutorials”).

    Sample context menu for a question with the first item, Item Tutorials, highlighted.

    Figure 18. Context menu for a question

  4. To move up and down the list, the student presses the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys. JAWS will automatically read aloud each question.
  5. To select a menu option, the student presses [space bar]. To exit the menu without making a selection, the student presses the [Esc] key. JAWS will return the focus to the context menu button.

Question Labels

After a student uses a context menu tool for a given question, a label for that tool appears next to the question number (also presented in figure 17). When the student navigates to a question with labels, the student can press [Tab] to navigate to each label, which JAWS reads aloud.

  • When a question is marked for review, JAWS reads “Marked for review” for the question label, which is the [Marked for review] (flag-check) [Flag with green checkmark] icon.
  • When a question has been printed (embossed), JAWS reads “Printed” for the question label, which is the [Print] (printer-check) [Printer with green checkmark] icon.
  • When the student has entered a note for a question, JAWS reads “Notes” for the question label, which is the [Notes] (notepad-check) [Pencil with green checkmark] icon.

CSA Using a Screen Reader

Nonvisual Information

Be advised that the CSA contains several instances where information not seen by sighted test takers is available to those using a screen reader. If a screen reader user leverages line-by-line navigation, JAWS will introduce the nonvisual information by voicing the word, “gráfico.” In these instances, students should be aware that a graphic is not actually present.

The following are scenarios in which this announcement will occur:

  • Drama passages, to make a distinction between dialogue and stage directions
  • Footnotes, when a definition of a footnote is introduced within a passage
  • Blank spaces, in instances where underlining has been tagged as “blank space”
  • Abbreviations and Roman numerals, in cases where pronunciation had to be controlled to ensure clarity of the content
Screen Readers and Refreshable Braille

Screen reader software may be used with refreshable braille and audio presentation.

Text to Be Revised

On specific multiple-choice questions, the student may be asked about a portion of the text that may need to be revised. For these questions, the student will be presented with four answer choices, each with different versions of the written text. Each answer choice will be followed by a repetition of the answer choice in context of the original excerpt. The answer choices in context are preceded by introductory statements such as, “La oración con cambio, lee:” or “La definición lee:”. In some instances, the student may want to navigate word-by-word or character-by-character to discern any grammatical or punctuation errors, in addition to addressing any words that may not be pronounced clearly by an assistive technology. Additional information about this portion of the test is included in the test directions.

This subsection provides basic guidance for responding to question types that may appear on practice or training tests and operational assessments.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions require the student to select one answer option. The response area will display several multiple-choice options as radio buttons. The student must select a radio button.

  1. After listening to the question text, the student presses the [Down] arrow key or the student presses the [Tab] key.

  2. JAWS will read aloud the option letter and option text that is in focus; a sample containing practice test questions is shown in figure 19. If the option is an image, JAWS will read the text description associated with the image.

    Sample test question with four radio buttons displayed.

    Figure 19. Selecting a radio button

  3. To navigate between each answer option, the student uses either the [Tab] and [Shift] + [Tab] commands or the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to move between options. Note that tabbing may cause the focus to navigate through selectable features and miss important information.
  4. JAWS will read aloud the text for the option in focus.
  5. To select an answer option in focus as the response, the student presses [space bar]. The answer option is selected, and JAWS reads “Space,” rereads the response text, and then reads “Selected” to confirm that the response choice is the one the student has selected. If the student selects an option that has been stricken using the strikethrough tool, JAWS will read “Option is struck through.”

Hot Text

Hot text questions require the student to select at least one word, phrase, or sentence. For these question types, it is critical to follow the instructions provided in the question. Some questions may tell the student to select two responses. Others may tell the student to select one response.

  1. After listening to the question text, the student presses the [Tab] key twice.

  2. JAWS will read aloud the text that is in focus; in figure 20, this text is, “’There is a wonderful power in steam,’ he said to himself.”

    Sample question with a sentence that starts “There is a wonderful power in steam, he said to himself” selected as hot text.

    Figure 20. Selecting hot text

  3. To navigate between each selectable text area, the student uses the [Down] arrow command.
  4. JAWS will read aloud the selectable text.
  5. To choose a selectable text area in focus as the response, the student presses the [Enter] key. JAWS will announce the text is selected.

Edit Task

Edit task questions require the student to select a response from a list, as shown in figure 21. For these question types, it is critical to follow the instructions provided in the question.

Sample test question with a list of options displayed.

Figure 21. Edit task: list options

Notes about JAWS and Edit Task Questions:

Each selectable text area is predefined. For selectable text, JAWS will indicate whether the word or phrase is selectable and then continue reading the rest of the sentence or line.

  1. The student uses the [Down] arrow key to read through each line of text.
  2. If a line of text has a selectable word or phrase, JAWS will say “clickable” after the word or phrase.

  3. The student navigates to each selectable text field in the question.

    Option 1: The student returns to the beginning of the question.

    1. Press [Shift] + [H].
    2. Press the [Tab] key to go to the first selectable text field.

    Option 2: The student moves backward through the selectable text fields in the question.

    1. Press [Shift] + [Tab].

  4. When the selectable text is in focus, the student presses [space bar]. This will open the edit menu. JAWS will read “Edit tools dialog” aloud and provide additional instructions.

    Drop-down list: The student uses the [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to move between options in the list. JAWS will read each option aloud. To select an option, the student presses [Enter].

  5. The student presses the [Tab] key or [Up] or [Down] arrow key to navigate to the [OK] button in the edit menu and then presses [Enter]. The edit menu will close, and the question will be back in focus.

Text Response with Text Formatting Row

Text-response questions require the student to enter text into a text box. The student may be asked to write a sentence, paragraph, or essay. These questions include a row of buttons representing options for formatting text, which is indicated in figure 21. Formatting options include bold, underline, italics, numbered bulleting, symbol bulleting, and more. However, these formatting options are not available to students testing with braille. Note that although figure 22 shows the [Print] printer icon, this option is available in the practice and training tests only.

Response area with the formatting toolbar with buttons for bold, italics, underline, subscript, numbered and bulleted lists, left and right indentation, cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, spell check, and symbols.

Figure 22. Answering a text-response question with text formatting

  1. The student reads the question and then tabs to move to the response. JAWS will beep and then read, “Edit, type in text” aloud. If JAWS does not beep, the student should press the [space bar].
  2. The student enters a response into the text box.
  3. When the student is finished entering a response, the student presses the [Esc] key and then the [Tab] key to exit the response area.
  4. The student will leave the text box and move to the next question or field on the page. JAWS beeps again in a different tone upon leaving the text box.

Equation

Equation questions, such as the one shown in figure 23, require a student to enter a mathematics equation or expression in a text field using an on-screen keypad.

Sample equation question with the on-screen keypad.

Figure 23. Equation question

  1. To navigate between the keypad buttons, the student presses the [Tab] key or [Shift] + [Tab]. JAWS reads aloud the character or action for each button.
  2. To enter a character in the text field or perform an action from the keypad toolbar, the student presses the [Enter] key. The student can also press the corresponding key on the keyboard, if available.
  3. Optional: To add special characters to the text field, the student presses [Alt] + [7] with the focus on the text field. A pop-up window opens with a drop-down list of the available characters. To move between the options in this list, the student uses the arrow keys. JAWS reads the name of each special character. To insert the selected character, the student presses the [Enter] key.

Table Match

Table-match questions, like the sample question in figure 24, require a student to mark at least one checkbox in a table. The table will have multiple rows and columns. The table row heading and column heading are not selectable. The selectable table cells have checkboxes.

Sample table-match question.

Figure 24. Responding to a table-match question

  1. After listening to the question text, the student uses the down arrow to hear features of the table (such as, how many columns and rows) and then the options.
  2. The student presses the [Tab] key twice to take the student to the first table cell that has a checkbox and then uses the [Down] arrow key to hear everything in the table.
  3. JAWS will read aloud the corresponding column name and row name for that table cell.
  4. To navigate to each cell that has a checkbox, the student presses the [Tab] key.
  5. JAWS will read aloud the corresponding column and row name for each cell.
  6. To mark a checkbox, the student presses the [space bar].