Testing Accomodations

Testing accomodations and even modifications are important for students who are unable to take an assessement in the format typically proscribed. The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) lists the five main accomdation categories:

• Presentation (e.g., repeat directions, read aloud, large print, braille, etc.)
• Equipment and material (e.g., calculator, amplification equipment, manipulatives, etc.)
• Response (e.g., mark answers in book, scribe records response, point, etc.)
• Setting (e.g., study carrel, student's home, separate room, etc.)
• Timing/Scheduling (e.g., extended time, frequent breaks, etc.)

The NCEO also contains links to information on alternate and universally designed assessments. Tests that are designed to be accessible, like Dynamic Learning Maps, will require less accomodations than those that are not. 

Ryan Kettler, a professor at Rutgers University, answers questions about writing testing accomodations into IEPs and deciding which accomodations should be used in a short but informative podcast sponsored by the IRIS Center.