The most common test taking accommodations are: a specific amount of additional time; a separate room from classmates; having questions read out loud by the proctor; transcription of answers that students verbally state out loud. Individualized accommodations plans are made for specific students who only allowed to use the particular accommodations that can actually offset a negative influence of their "disability" issue. The objective is not to raise the potential of success. The objective is to ensure that a test is measuring the students' knowledge and skills, versus measuring how the disability impacts the test taking event.
General Test Protocols
- Student provides documentation to confirm there's a substantial need for test accommodations
- An individualized plan is made and signed to show what accommodations the student may have
- The student receives a memo that identifies the accommodations.
- The student gives professor a copy of the memo showing their need for test accommodations
- Student makes an outward request each time the test accommodations are wanted on a per test basis
- Professor elects to unilaterally give the test with the accommodations, or can refer the student to Ability Services so the test can occur there, or professor contacts Deb Morgan or Mark Johnson if it seems the accommodations is inappropriate.
- If referred to Ability Services the student fills out an Accommodated Test Scheduling Form, asks the professor to sign it, then the student delivers the form to Ability Services.
- Ability Services uses the information on the form to make plans for the test.
- If Ability Services administers the test, professor makes decision regarding how the test is transported.
Note: It's highly recommends that inter-campus mail should not be used to send a test to Ability Services; generally a test that's sent that way doesn't arrive on time and it's difficult for the staff to track it down within the campus mail system.
Routine Testing Proctoring Protocols at Ability Services
- Students should deliver Accommodated Test Scheduling Forms to the office 5-business days in-advance of a test date during the regular part of a semester. For a final exam it should be delivered by the student 2 weeks in-advance.
- Tests take place in small rooms and cubicles
- Tests are monitored by video camera and recorded, unless the proctor is actully physically present to read questions out loud and/or transcribe the student's verbal answers
- Students are asked to have nothing on the table, except the test and any thing that's necessary to write the answers.
- Ability Services never leaves a test unattended and when the office is closed its in a locked file cabinet
Link to Directions for Test Accommodations
Note: If you have questions, comments, or concerns on this subject contact Deb Morgan or Mark Johnson.