Many adult learners are unaware that they may be eligible for accommodations while taking high stakes tests like college and graduate school entrance exams, professional licensing exams, certification exams, and other tests. However, most of the testing facilitators provide for accommodations if test takers have the appropriate documentation showing their need. On this page, you can learn more about how Mind Works Psychologists can help you with accommodations for high stakes testing in our Pass Christian, MS office. You’re always welcome to get in touch with our team for additional details.
Accommodations For High Stakes Testing In Pass Christian, MS
Available Accommodations
Accommodations are any changes to the way a test is administered or taken that assist those who have physical differences, learning disabilities, or other diagnoses. There are a wide variety of accommodations available to make the testing process a little easier and ensure you have the best chances for successfully completing your exam. Accommodations typically involve one of five components of test taking: time frame, setting, scheduling, test administration, and test completion. The following are some examples of each of these types of accommodations:
- Time frame – more time to complete the test or breaks during the test that don’t count against your allotted time, receive reminders of time remaining throughout testing, etc.
- Setting – take the test in a private room, smaller group, place with adjusted lighting, specialized seating, etc.
- Scheduling – allow for taking the test at a different time of day, provide test modules in a specific order, administer the test in more than one testing session, etc.
- Test administration – large print test materials, audio test materials, instructions given out loud by administrator, etc.
- Test completion – provide oral responses via a recording or directly to a test facilitator, give responses through an assistive device, record answers to a computer generated test in writing, etc.
Available Accommodations
Accommodations are any changes to the way a test is administered or taken that assist those who have physical differences, learning disabilities, or other diagnoses. There are a wide variety of accommodations available to make the testing process a little easier and ensure you have the best chances for successfully completing your exam. Accommodations typically involve one of five components of test taking: time frame, setting, scheduling, test administration, and test completion. The following are some examples of each of these types of accommodations:
- Time frame – more time to complete the test or breaks during the test that don’t count against your allotted time, receive reminders of time remaining throughout testing, etc.
- Setting – take the test in a private room, smaller group, place with adjusted lighting, specialized seating, etc.
- Scheduling – allow for taking the test at a different time of day, provide test modules in a specific order, administer the test in more than one testing session, etc.
- Test administration – large print test materials, audio test materials, instructions given out loud by administrator, etc.
- Test completion – provide oral responses via a recording or directly to a test facilitator, give responses through an assistive device, record answers to a computer generated test in writing, etc.
Eligibility for Accommodations
Eligibility for testing accommodations may be determined for a range of reasons, including:
- Diagnosed specific learning disability (SLD)
- Diagnosed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety
- Any cognitive or developmental concerns that can impact the test taking process
- Sensory issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other diagnoses
- Medical conditions that impact the ability to safely or comfortably sit for a test in the standard setting
High Stakes Testing Accommodations Documentation
In order to receive accommodations for high stakes testing, a student should be assessed by a qualified professional and provided with formal documentation supporting their need for these accommodations. In addition to the results of the most up to date assessments, you’ll also want to provide testing administrators with information about past accommodations, prior testing, diagnoses, medical referrals, or other documentation in support of your need for adjustments to the regular testing structure. Our team members will work with you after your assessment to ensure you have the appropriate documentation to receive testing accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evaluation Services
The last time I was tested for a learning disability was high school, and I’m getting ready to take a licensing exam as an adult. Do I need a new assessment?
In most cases, testing and licensing boards require documentation of an assessed learning disability or other special circumstance that has been completed within the last three years. Each exam, certification, and other high stakes test is different. Take some time to review the accommodations requirements for your test before scheduling an assessment.
Will other test takers judge me or think I have an unfair advantage?
This is always possible, but you know your own needs. More importantly, you deserve to receive the necessary accommodations to ensure you have the best chances for successfully completing your high stakes test.
Will my college, graduate school, professional organization, or future employers know I received testing accommodations?
No one, other than the test administrator, should be aware of your testing accommodations. This information is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards as well as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).