Testing Accommodations

[Anonymous]

Had a question about testing accommodations. My son has both anxiety and learning disorders. He is doing great in school, with informal accommodations.

Should he get additional time for testing, assessments, SOLs, COGAT? Right now he doesn't get any extra time.

Do I need to request accommodations be in writing? Right now his teacher just knows what works for him, but I want things in writing for next year.

Thank you

[Anonymous]

In what grade is he?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should put your request in writing and address it to the principal. It sounds like you need a 504 plan, which would document the need and formalize his needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In what grade is he?

He is in 2nd grade. First year in public school though.

[Anonymous]

Ask for an assessment for an IEP. It wouldn't hurt for him to get services for the learning disorders. Even if he is doing well now, he may have more difficulty in the future as the work gets harder.

[Anonymous]

If he is getting informal accommodations they should be formalized. He cannot get "informal accommodations for tests like PARCC or, as he grows older, quizzes, RQAs, SSAT, PARCC Algebra, SAT, etc.

Denying you for an IEP because "informal accommodations are working" is illegal. Students must be assessed for adverse impact of their disorder on education in their unmitigated state, i.e. as they were doing before supports were provided or as they would be doing if supports were taken away. Basically, the fact that informal supports have been provided is de facto evidence that there was an adverse impact. Teachers don't provide "informal supports" to kids who are doing well.

Ask for the IEP and ask that the school do a full assessment with IQ and academic achievement as measured on standardized, nationally normed instruments.