Testing accommodations
Last updated
Testing accommodations are changes to how a test is given or answered that let a student show what they know without changing what the test measures.
Topic: Accommodations, modifications and instruction
In plain terms
The IEP lists the accommodations a student will use on state and district tests. Each state publishes a list of allowed accommodations for its tests, and some, like reading a reading test aloud, may be restricted. Accommodations used on tests should normally be ones the student also uses during regular instruction.
How it shows up in an IEP
IDEA requires the IEP to state any individual accommodations needed to measure academic achievement and functional performance on state and districtwide assessments, or why the student will take an alternate assessment.
Example
A student's IEP lists extended time, a separate setting and text-to-speech for math items on the state test, all of which the student uses on classroom tests.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.320(a)(6), 34 CFR §300.160(b).
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- AccommodationAn accommodation changes how a student learns or shows learning, without changing what the student is expected to learn.
- Alternate assessmentAn alternate assessment is a state test, based on alternate achievement standards, for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
- Read-aloud accommodationA read-aloud accommodation has text, directions or test items read aloud to the student by a person or by text-to-speech software.
- Timing and scheduling accommodationA timing and scheduling accommodation changes how long a student has or when work happens, such as extended time, breaks or testing at a certain time of day.
- Setting accommodationA setting accommodation changes where or in what conditions a student works or tests, such as a quiet room, small group or special seating.
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