Many students in California have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provides them with specific entitlements while they’re pursuing an education. An IEP is intended to accommodate their learning needs and remove barriers so they have the opportunity to show their true potential. These rights are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and guidelines from the California Department of Education (CDE).
Students who have an IEP can have specific accommodations when they’re taking tests. The specific accommodations should be specified on the plan, and they’re specific to the disability of each student. Some possible accommodations include:
Extended time and testing breaks
One of the most common accommodations that students receive is added time to timed tests. This gives them a chance to process information or handle physical or cognitive challenges. It’s also possible that some students may need to have extra breaks during testing, which is another accommodation that’s possible.
Testing setting or formatting
Some students may need to have a distraction-free environment. This could mean taking the test in smaller groups or outside of the main classroom. It’s also possible that some students may need to have test materials in audio, Braille, or larger print. Other testing formats may be possible, depending on the student’s needs.
Assistive technologies
Using assistive technology may be beneficial for some students. This can include using speech-to-text software, a word processor, or a scribe. If calculators, test readers or similar devices are used during regular instruction, they may be allowed during testing.
Schools sometimes give students issues with their IEP, so it’s critical that parents take an active role in ensuring that the student has the accommodations they need. This can sometimes take legal action, so parents should be ready to step in when it’s necessary.