If you or your child has a disability or a suspected disability, testing accommodations can help ensure that you or your child can fully participate in academic testing and assessments. But what exactly are testing accommodations, and how can you request them? In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide to testing accommodations evaluation, including what testing accommodations are, how they are determined, and how to request them.
What Are Testing Accommodations?
Testing accommodations are changes to testing conditions or procedures that allow individuals with disabilities or other impairments to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without being unfairly hindered by their condition. Some examples of testing accommodations include extended time, breaks, a separate testing location, large-print or Braille materials, and the use of assistive technology.
Testing accommodations can be critical for individuals with disabilities who may otherwise be unable to demonstrate their abilities on traditional academic assessments. By providing accommodations, testing can become a fair and accurate representation of the individual’s knowledge and skills.
How Are Testing Accommodations Determined?
Determining appropriate testing accommodations for an individual typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that considers the nature of the individual’s disability, the demands of the testing situation, and the individual’s specific needs. The evaluation may include a review of medical and educational records, classroom observations, and interviews with the individual and relevant professionals.
The evaluation process may be conducted by a school or testing agency, or by an independent evaluator. In some cases, individuals may request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) to obtain an assessment of their needs and recommendations for testing accommodations.
Once the evaluation is complete, a team of professionals will review the information and determine which testing accommodations are appropriate for the individual. The team may include educators, psychologists, special education teachers, and other professionals with expertise in the individual’s disability or condition.
How to Request Testing Accommodations
If you believe that you or your child may need testing accommodations, it’s important to begin by speaking with your school or testing agency. You can request an evaluation to determine which accommodations are appropriate, or you can request an IEE if you disagree with the results of the evaluation.
To request an IEE, you can reach out to an expert in this field such as Dr. Ben Malkin, who can provide an assessment of your needs and recommendations for testing accommodations. When making a request for testing accommodations, it’s important to provide as much information as possible about the nature of the disability or condition, how it affects testing, and any previous accommodations that have been provided. The request should also include specific accommodations that are being requested, and why those accommodations are necessary.
Conclusion
Testing accommodations evaluation is an important process for individuals with disabilities or other impairments who may require accommodations to participate fully in academic testing and assessments. By understanding what testing accommodations are, how they are determined, and how to request them, individuals can ensure that they have access to the accommodations they need to succeed. If you believe that you or your child may need testing accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or testing agency to begin the evaluation process.
