Planning for High School Standardized Tests

Many students with JA will require testing accommodations in order to participate in testing programs on an equal basis with their peers. Such accommodations provide students with JA to demonstrate mastery of skills and attainment of knowledge without being limited or unfairly restricted due to the effects of a disability.

Common Types of Accommodations: 

1. Flexibility in scheduling and timing 
   • Extended time 
   • Breaks   

2. Flexibility in setting 

   • Separate setting - specify individual or small group. 

   • Adaptive furniture - special lighting or acoustics, specify type 

3. Flexibility in presentation and/response 

   • Large type editions of tests 

   • Use of word processor/laptop/computer (when applicable)  

Start early. As soon as you meet with the high school administration and/or counselor in regards to your/your teens 504 and/or IEP, begin the discussion for college testing and need for accommodations.  

Common tests/exams taken during high school and links to Accommodations Directions: 
 
PSAT 8/9 
Accommodations are approved by schools. Families should contact their school to learn more.
 
SAT
Services for Students with Disabilities: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities
 
AP Students*
Testing Accommodations: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/testing-accommodations 
*If you have previously been approved by the College Board for testing accommodations (for example, when you took the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT), you do not need to submit a new request.
 
ACT 
ACT Accommodations: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
 
ACT 3 Step Checklist for Accommodations: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Accommodations-Infographic-Student.pdf
ACT Accommodations Chart: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-TestAccommodationsChart.pdf 
 
ACCUPLACER  
ACCUPLACER accommodations are available but are not approved by the College Board. Contact the test center at your college or other institution for more information:
https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/student/taking-the-test 
 
CLEP 
Most CLEP accommodations are approved by the test centers that administer CLEP exams, not by the College Board. Learn how to request specific accommodations here: https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit/taking-the-test
 
IB Exams
For IB accommodations, also referred to as a “request for inclusive assessment arrangements”, students need to notify the IB coordinator of the accommodation during test registration in October (Deadline is November 15).
 
The “request for inclusive assessment arrangements” option is located under the “Candidate” tab on the IBIS (International Baccalaureate Information System) site. 
 
IB specific accommodations include:

1. Specific learning disabilities 
2. Physical challenges 
3. Communication and speech difficulties 
4. Sensory challenges 
5. Social emotional and behavioral difficulties 
6. Mental health challenges 
7. Autism spectrum 
8. Medical condition 
9. Intellectual challenges 

 
Under Physical Challenges here are the sub-categories:

1. Fine motor 
2. Cerebral palsy 
3. Muscular dystrophy 

Modifications:

1. Modified Papers (braille, large print) 
2. Added time 
   • 10%, 25%, 50% for writing 
   • 25% math 
   • 25% oral exams 
3. Writing: 
   • Word processor with or without spell check 
   • Speech recognition software 
   • Scribe 
   • Transcription