Chelsea,
Exactly, it may take a student more time to read, comprehend and process written information than others. In these cases, additional time can make all the difference between success and failure.
Sarah Smoger
I understand that concern and it probably would bother me as well. But like with anything else, if you know the information, you just know it. An extended time in testing is not necessoried
I would indicate that the accommodation is being provided due to the specific disability and in accordance to federal Law. In addition, I would inform the individual questioning that equal access must be provided to each individual regardless of status and by providing extended time in this specific circumstance and situation illustrates an attempt at that goal.
I agree. I've noticed some students test very quickly and do well, while other would benefit from an extended test period. Everyone is different.
I give the students the same amount of time for each exam and it is a great deal of time because sometimes there isnt an exact disability but the issue is that the student is an adult learner or has returned to school after 20 years and needs more time because they are thorough - so I give them the time they need unless there are items that need to be covered right after or we are in a hurry then I might put a limit on it but I always give them a ration as to why
We all have deadlines at work. We should take this under consideration when looking at time standards for any kind of assesment or wonderlic type of ratings.
I agree that most students would probably do better with an extended amount of time, but they do not have to deal with a disability as well. As long as the extended time is only for their disability and not just given to them because they are disabled, puts them on the same level as everyone else.
I feel that giving extended time only allows a student more time to delay the inevitable. Time restraints are designed to discern critical thinking and decision making skills. Allowing extra time only allows someone to slow their potential.
It is not a matter of what make it better for all but a question of what would make it equal. Dose a student with no disability need more time to take an exam verses a student who does, is the answer.
It is quite possible that all students would do better with more time. However, it depends upon the individual student as well.
The idea behind giving a student with an LD more time is not about them doing better, they need the additional time because it is likely that they do not have the ability to finish the test in the time allotted, whereas a student without the disability has ample time.
I concur. Therefor, giving everyone the same extended time may not result in greater success on the exam.
Exams are usually written so that students have every opportunity to demonstrate content mastery. A student with a disability may need extended time in order to provide the same opportunity to demonstrate his / her level of content mastery.
B,
Hard to tell. Typically, in college I was always the first one in the room done with tests/exams. Sometimes it was because I knew and felt comfortable with the material, other times I was clueless (perhaps because I didn't prepare myself well).
Sarah Smoger
Samrane,
Depends on the functional limitations the disability creates. Requests for accommodation, such as extended time for testing, need to be managed on a case-by-case basis in which we take documentation of the student's disability and the limitations of that disability in context to an education environment. Remember, just because 2 students are diagnosed with ADHD, do not assume that both will need the same accommodations to provide for equal access.
Sarah Smoger
I fully understand the accommodation of giving more time. I do not think though that more time is needed for all. Tests are generally designed with completion success in mind. Giving someone without the true need for accommodation more time is not necessary; it usually is an indicator that they were not prepared for the test.
It is fair to give student with disability extended time to complete their testing, whereas a student without disability should not get extra time because they don't have a disability.
I think all students would do better if they were given more time. Students are stressed already and it seeems like the time goes by too quickly and more time will ease some of that stress. As far as responding to the concern, I think that students with disabilities are already at a disadvantage than the other students. I would just let those who have concerns know that certain students require more assistance than others.
Agreed i think we all would do better with more time, however I feel we would rarely get thinks accomplished.
I would say to whomever had that concern: that if the students disability impedes their ability to preform as well as the other students without more time, then of course I would allow him/her more time to complete the exam. I wouldn't enable him/her, I would challenge them like all my students however, I would give them the accommodations they needed to succeed.
Cindy ,
Everything within reason, right?
Typically the reason students must go through an official "process" to obtain accommodations like extended time, is so that someone with experience in learning disabilities can critically assess and evaluate the student's need.
Sarah Smoger
