Get Your Students Hired
Betty,
The accommodation of extra time is less about the "art" of test taking and more about the process of test taking. What is the opportunity that every other student has when it comes to testing. What, if any, accommodation will this student need to have that same opportunity.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Gail,
What you are suggesting is a form of Universal Design -- that is, advocating for all students to have "enough time", no matter what that constitutes for them. I certainly can't argue with that philosophy!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
i believe students should be given the benefit of extended time. Many students with learning disabilities have not been "identified" as such and may need a little more time. If a student is still working on the test I dont see what is the reason to say "stop" and collect the tests. This is even realized in PSSA testing in the public schools. Students finish each section of the test. There is not specific time limit on each section.
Heather,
You certainly have the right answer here -- case-by-case. And I agree with your premise that if the nondisabled student knows the material, all the extra time in the world won't make a difference. Just keep in mind that for a disabled student who knows the material, the extra time provides a real opportunity to demonstrate that learning.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I do not think that all students would do better with extended time. I feel if you know the material than there would be no need for additional time. I think the response to this concern would be different for each case. Some students have health issues that would cause them to physically take long than other students. For example, someone that is physically disabled and has chronic health issues may have concerns that could affect their health. For instance, as a nurse I had a client that was physically disabled. He needed 24 hour nursing care. He needed continuous monitoring of oxygen levels, nebulizer treatments, and assistance drinking and voiding. This client was actually a student at a local university and had accommodations made. All of these concerns could affect the students testing.
Andrew,
And that's the key. To each his/her own! That is really what making accommodations is all about -- allowing students an equal chance to learn and to demonstrate mastery of material. I'm glad your sister found an answer, thanks to an astute observation by the faculty member.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree with what you say. My sister has test taking anxiety. She found this out a few years ago when she was failing a class. She would be in study groups where her professor was involved and she would study with her and some class mates. The professor knew that she knew the material inside and out but when she took the test she scored under a 50%. She had her stay behind class and had her retake the test at her own pace and leisure, the same test just the questions mixed up and she ended up scoring a high A. She realized that her anxiety caused a huge curve and she was able to see a doctor and got a letter stating that she had an anxiety disorder which allowed her extra time for test or allowed her to take them in a testing facility with unlimited time. Ever since this shes done excellent in school. I feel that certain people will require more time than others. Personally I have never been that way but I can relate to how others are doing.
Gina,
Just for the record... test anxiety, BY ITSELF, is not considered a disability under ADA/504. If it is part of a larger anxiety disorder it may rise to the level of a "substantial limitation" and bring a student under the protection of the law. That doesn't mean that test anxiety isn't very real, or that your preparations and support aren't important. But lots of students may experience test anxiety, not just those with disabilities.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
"Test Anxiety" is common. I review common test taking tips with each class. Students are encouraged to ask for more assistance/tutoring if needed. Tests that are timed are given in preparation for state testing, which is also timed. Students are provided the opportunity to practice timed exams to promote success and overcome fear of timed tests.
Dajuan,
I agree. Both rules regarding privacy and rules regarding sensitivity suggest that it is no one else's business what accommodations a student is getting or why.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I don't think it's other people's business on what accommodations are given to another individual. If the student who is complaining about time has a valid disability the accommodations will be given to that person.
Crystal,
Your first and third sentences are true. The second is not. The purpose of accommodation is to provide access -- an equal CHANCE to succeed. But to say that all students would do better with more time is one of those things that seems like it SHOULD be true, but it simply isn't.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Providing a time extension accomodation is not intended to increase success. Any student would do better with more time, as stated. However, accomodations are in place for those with disabilities to provide access. They have the right to have access to the same education.
Christine,
This time you would be wrong across the board. The evidence indicates that it is a fallacy to believe that "all students would benefit from extended time". If the test is one that the typical student is meant to be able to finish in the time given, then giving extra time to that student won't make a difference. It DOES make a difference to the student with a disability. Moreover, you don't get to say, "this is a timed test and I have no control over the amount of time given. The same to everyone." In fact, the law requires you to give the same OPPORTUNITY to everyone, and that may mean more time for the student with a disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would say that all students would benefit from an extended time to take the test.
Personally if everyone in the room participated in the review and everyone appeared prepared for the exam I would begin the exam early to allow for the extra time.
If the exam were timed and I had no control over that then I would say that no matter the disability the rules are rules.
Jeffrey,
Absolutely right. In fact -- that's what I just told the person above you! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
matthew,
Actually, the evidence suggests that NOT all students would do better with extra time. If you don't need the extra time (because of disability), having the extra time is unlikely to help on most tests. If you don't know the answers, all the time in the world won't help you!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Extended time on tests will not necessarily benefit all students. The idea is not to provide an advantage but to offer an equal ground for completion of the test for those with disabilities. Those who have not prepared adequately for the test, regardless of disability, will not benefit from extended time.
Thank you,
Jeff Porter
all students would do better with more time, but then the question becomes do they need it, those that dont have a disability normally finish tests quicker than those with disabilities