Being Fair with Time
While it could be argued that all students would excel if they were given more time, the bigger issue is HOW the time is spent. In the case of an ADHD student, time is relative. An hour of solid work for this type of student could be double that for a student unaffected by this limitation. In most cases extended time is access, not success, because the student is being given the same relative amount of time to complete the assessment as other students. Also the amount of preparation for each student needs to be taken into account. Students are all given the same amount of time to prepare for the test, which if the student has a learning disability they would need to study even harder in the time leading up to the test to ensure that he/she retains the information necessary. It is reasonable to assume then that even though they are given extra time to take the test, they may be at a disadvantage when it comes to being prepared.
The question of fairness in providing accommodation is raised most often in reference to providing extended time in testing for students with disabilities. Wouldn’t all students do better if they had extended time? How would you respond to that concern?
Sabahudin,
You are correct. That is exactly the reason that extended time is provided -- to level the playing field.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Although it might seem that extra time is an advantage for all student, for disabled students it is actually a need. They need time to get through the same material and the same work as students that are not disabled. Thus, by limiting that time, we are actually putting them at a disadvantage. I have seen cases where a simple extension gives a student an opportunity to succeed in the same way as the non disabled students.
Nicole,
You've just given a pretty good justification for why we provide extended time for some students with disabilities. The focus is always on having an equal chance to show what you know -- and these students wouldn't have an equal chance without the additional time.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I do not believe that all student's would do better on a test if given more time if the student does not have a learning disability. This is not a blanket statement however, some students may do better and some will not. Test taking is about conceptual understanding and knowledge retention, if a student doesn't have a grasp of that on a subject then they will not succeed regardless of the time allotted to take an exam. A student who has difficulty reading the questions asked on an exam (for example a student with dyslexia), may have the knowledge and understanding of a subject but would need extra time to read and understand the questions being asked.In such cases it is necessary to be fair to these students and provide the accommodations needed to allow them the same opportunities as students without disabilities.
Shelly,
Actually, no -- they wouldn't. The research shows that extra time does NOT benefit all students. In fact, it isn't a "benefit" to students with disabilities, but an equalizer. Something that provides the SAME opportunity that everyone else gets.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes they would but we are accommodating for a disability.
ELIZABETH,
That makes fine sense. The issue of what they pay is irrelevant -- the issue of their civil rights is paramount.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
No, that is not what i am saying at all, my point is that every one should have an even playing field. A person with a disabiltiy starts out with a disadvantage and i believe that since they are paying the same price as an abled student (as far as i know they dont give discounts to people with disabilties) then they are entiltled to same opportunities. If there is a barrier to learning i feel its our obligation to accomodate that person so they have equal learning potential as the rest of the class, if possible.
Paul,
That's the key here -- fairness. It would NOT be fair if students with disabilities who needed more time for the same opportunity to show what they know were not provided with that chance.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I don't know if all students with extended time would do better but i think it is only but fair that we provide the needed accomodations for those with disabilities.
ELIZABETH,
It sounds as though you are suggesting that the extra time gives students with disabilities an advantage but, hey, what the heck. They are paying for it, right? I hope you understand that the extra time is NOT an advantage.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
of course most students would, but the question is do all students have a disability? if a person is diagnosed with this disabilty and the person next to them is not, they are paying the same amount for their education and should have equal access to what is necessary for them to succeed.
william,
And not all students with disabilities! It isn't the disability that qualifies one for extended time, only those whose functional limitations make it appropriate.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
yes.!! i would say this is very important - students with disabilities should have extended time - no questions. i don't think every student should have extended- just students have have disabilities.
Patricia,
I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are suggesting here... but I think it is problematic. If you are suggesting that the student should take the test with everyone else and then, if they ask for it, get some extra attention or time -- that's a violation of the student's right to equal access. If someone has assigned the student the accommodation of additional time, that is NOT provided by simply saying "try it like everyone else and then if you have a problem, we'll see about it."
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The way I feel about this is that you know which student may need help, but I would let them take the test with everyone else, and after the time is met, if the student ask if we could go over his paper test because he understands better if read aloud to him, I would do that. I feel like whatever you can do to help a student with a disability you should do it and you could even bring the class into it so they wouldn't feel like I was being unfair.
Niles,
The important thing is that extended time is determined based on the needs of the student with a disability, not on the basis of what is or isn't done (or is/isn't comfortable) for any other student.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Teri,
Very true. If you don't KNOW the answer, no amount of extra time will help you to write it down! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
