Testing Accommodations Challenge

A CSE may make a blanket decision to give all LD students in their district the accommodation of extended time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

All decisions about accommodations must be individualized and based on data in the IEP.

Is there any limit to the types of testing accommodations that may be included in a student’s IEP or 504 plan?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

No. Based on the student’s needs, a range of testing accommodations may be included in an IEP or 504 plan.

Is there a limit to the amount of extended time a CSE/ Section 504 Committee may recommend for a student with a disability?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

No. However, the ability of the student to maintain optimal performance during long periods of test-taking must be considered when the CSE determines how much extended time should be provided.

When considering and recommending “tests read” for students with disabilities, a committee can just add it to the IEP at the meeting.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A "test read" justification form needs to be completed.

Should “questions read” be indicated as a testing accommodation in the IEP/ 504 plan?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The passages and multiple-choice items with those questions are considered part of the question. Therefore, to ensure a common understanding by teachers, parents, and students, and the appropriate implementation of this accommodation, the IEP/ 504 plan should indicate this accommodation using phrasing such as, “tests read”

Is it permissible to read information to a student more than once when State assessments are being read?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yes. For a student who has the accommodation of tests read, questions, passages, and/ or directions may be reread to the student, should the student indicate to the reader the need to have an item re -read or repeated during testing.

The testing accommodations on an IEP apply to classroom assessments.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True- They must be implemented consistently.

The language in test directions, questions and items may be simplified as an accommodation on state exams.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Only the language in directions can be simplified.

For students with disabilities who have “breaks” recommended as a testing accommodation, those breaks are included in the student’s overall testing time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Breaks do not count in overall time.

"Location with minimal distractions" needs to be in a separate setting.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Separate setting means a student is administered the test in a separate room apart from the standard setting being used to administer the test. Small group or individual test administration must be specified in the IEP/ 504 plan. Minimal distractions IS the general education classroom.