Mozell,
That is the basis on which extra time is approved... the idea that it may be necessary for students with disabilities while not being unfair to others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The accomodation is made for those who need it, not for those who just want it. If a person doesn't know what they are being tested on, then they plainly just haven't studied and then let their feelings of fairness get in the way. They may not quite understand that it may take someone reading a test out loud to a student to help that student even understand the questions. They may not grasp that a student reads two levels below them and needs time just for that.
I would say maybe, maybe not. The issue here is also not necessarily time, but preparation. If any student has not studied for an exam, they may not be equipped to pass it, regardless of how much time they have been given.
Lashawna,
I am not sure what you said, but I know what you meant! (GRIN) If you allow everyone "extra" time... what is it above and beyond (extra?). I think you mean that MORE time isn't necessary a benefit for everyone.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Most students would not necessarily do better with extra time. Some will in fact do worse by second guessing themselves. However, students with a disability will be able to improve their performance with extra time.
the overall purpose for allowing students with disabilities extra time is to alllow for equal and fair opportunities. ALlowing everyone extra time would open many issues for all students such as overthinking a problem or self doubt.
Kelly,
You are right about extra time sometimes being a hindrance, not a help. For students with some disabilities, giving them too much extra time is the kiss of death because they will, indeed, over think things. But I have to disagree with the suggestion that time limits on tests are useful in preparing students for pressure situations in the world of work. Unless their work involves taking tests, the activities required are too dissimilar to make for a logical crossover.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I do not agree that all students would do better if they were given extended time on test. I think that students can tend to over think a situation or have doubt easily when working under pressure; having a time limit also helps in preparing them for the work force in my opinion. Once students are employed into their chosen career field they are going to have situation where they have to work under pressure and meet a time line. The basic principal here is to accommodate the students with disabilities so that there is equal access and to be fair.
Kerry,
That certainly sounds fair -- and it is actually the premise on which we base the accommodation of extra time. We want ALL students to have "enough time". If you are willing to give all students whatever time they need, then there is no need to assign EXTRA to the student with a disability, because he/she will also have whatever time they need.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Theresa,
Actually, a student blind student who is using Braille to take a test will almost certainly need extra time. It isn't only about the time it takes to READ, but also about the time it takes to respond, and for that blind student it will certainly take longer.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I totally agree with you. I tend to give students as much time as they need on tests because "extra time" will not really help you if you don't know the material. On projects or writings I'm a lot more stringent about deadlines because I'm generous with timeframes.
Jennifer ans Erenne,
I have given oral test to some students, wither before or after class when the student could not either read the test or had difficulty filling in the bubble sheet. This helped many of them succeed in class.
All stuents do not need extra time. If they havelearned the material, the questions will be answered within the time frame. A student who may need extra time is a visually impaired student or one who needs an interpretor. For the blind student, if the test is in Braille, then no extra time may be needed.
A student who has limited use of their arms may need assistance, not necessary extra time.
Geneva,
Why would you EVER want to say to students without disabilities, "Oh, by the way -- I am giving John more time than I am giving you, but it's only fair because he has a disability"? I am assuming you would not say it in those terms, but to suggest that you are going to "let the students know up front that they have a certain amount of time" but that others will have MORE time is not good practice.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Although some of us would like to have the extended time that students with disabilities have, but it may not make a diffence.
What I would do is let the students know up front that they have a certin amount of time to finsh the test verses the disabled person. It's not favortism, it what the law requires.But whose to say that even the a person with disabilities could finish up on time verses someone that is just slow. Now I have seen this before.
Lisa,
You are absolutely right. The accommodation is not "unlimited" time, but rather "extended time." The only students who would complain about the additional time for students with disabilities are those that don't understand why the accommodation is made in the first place. The purpose is to give EQUAL opportunity, not to give a leg up.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
There has to be an absolute end to a test time, whether the student has a disability or not. Students without disability are all given equal time to complete a test. I believe people with disabilities should be given extra time to a point, but there needs to be a defined end time for students with disabilities as well. So long as all students are given the same opportunity there shouldn't be any reason for complaint. Hopefully no student without disability would ever complain about extra time given to a student with a disability.
Michael,
Exactly! All the time in the world won't make a difference if you don't know the answer!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think someone mentioned this before but I think the extra time doesn't really matter. I remember taking tests in college and some people would finish quickly, the others would take up all the time allowed to complete it. If you didn't know the information, the extra time isn't gonna do anything extra for you.
I think someone mentioned this before but I think the extra time doesn't really matter. I remember taking tests in college and some people would finish quickly, the others would take up all the time allowed to complete it. If you didn't know the information, the extra time isn't gonna do anything extra for you.
