Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 19:24     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


I’m a HS teacher and it depends on the timing of the test. For the students with extended time, I will have their tests copied single sided and only give them part of the test. They will receive one portion of the test. Once a certain time passes, I won’t give them part 2 if there is a chance they won’t finish. You will (or won’t) be surprised how many times we are burned by kids saying they have enough time to finish and request the second half of the test. They get it, say they don’t have enough time and say they need to come back the next day. They just wanted to see the test and come back to it later.

If they finish part 1 very fast they can have part 2. But it is not a given that they won’t have to use their extended time if it is an accommodation. In my school, they come during our mascot block to finish part 2.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:52     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:For standardized tests they put the kids with extra time accommodations together so everyone can have extra time in one room.

For regular HS tests, most teachers will have the student come during lunch to start or finish the test. The test will be broken into two parts and they can get the second part after they finish the first part. This keeps them from looking up answers if there is a break between their class and lunch period. Your kid is going to need to be really proactive about managing and coordinating with the teacher on when they will be in the classroom for their extra time.

It may be possible that some kids do the other parts of the test during resource if they have that options.

Sometimes the amount of time set aside for the test is less than the full period. In this case the kid can just do it with extended time in class. The teacher will either hand them their test early or allow them to keep working after they collected the other tests.


This is our exact experience for high school. For middle school almost nothing was timed (nor was anything that long or difficult) so it was a non-issue except for MCAP, which they administered in a separate location for kids with that accommodation.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:09     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


If it is a regular classroom test they can ask for the second part immediately and forfeit their extra time. Or they can just decide in advance they are going to take the test in the class with everyone else.

For standardized tests they must use all of their extra time unless they coordinate in advance to not use it. It would be too distracting for the rest of the kids if each kid was going to leave the testing room when they are done.


As of this year, that's no longer true for SATs.


What is the new rule with SAT?
Do they still allow extra time?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 14:04     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


If it is a regular classroom test they can ask for the second part immediately and forfeit their extra time. Or they can just decide in advance they are going to take the test in the class with everyone else.

For standardized tests they must use all of their extra time unless they coordinate in advance to not use it. It would be too distracting for the rest of the kids if each kid was going to leave the testing room when they are done.


As of this year, that's no longer true for SATs.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:56     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


If it is a regular classroom test they can ask for the second part immediately and forfeit their extra time. Or they can just decide in advance they are going to take the test in the class with everyone else.

For standardized tests they must use all of their extra time unless they coordinate in advance to not use it. It would be too distracting for the rest of the kids if each kid was going to leave the testing room when they are done.


Thank you, this is helpful info.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:53     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
FCPS has not figured this out (even though this is one of the most common accommodations). It is so frustrating that the HS teachers and admin don't know how to do this for a kid. And of course, no one holds them accountable.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:52     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


If it is a regular classroom test they can ask for the second part immediately and forfeit their extra time. Or they can just decide in advance they are going to take the test in the class with everyone else.

For standardized tests they must use all of their extra time unless they coordinate in advance to not use it. It would be too distracting for the rest of the kids if each kid was going to leave the testing room when they are done.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:40     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
Anonymous wrote:I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?


Don't assume that. It's not always true.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:25     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
I assume they don’t have to use the extra time if they don’t need it for that test?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 12:24     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
I would note, the above response is for HS. I don’t have a great memory of how this was administered in middle school, and my DDs middle school years coincided with COVID so she just didn’t have as much time in person.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 12:22     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
For standardized tests they put the kids with extra time accommodations together so everyone can have extra time in one room.

For regular HS tests, most teachers will have the student come during lunch to start or finish the test. The test will be broken into two parts and they can get the second part after they finish the first part. This keeps them from looking up answers if there is a break between their class and lunch period. Your kid is going to need to be really proactive about managing and coordinating with the teacher on when they will be in the classroom for their extra time.

It may be possible that some kids do the other parts of the test during resource if they have that options.

Sometimes the amount of time set aside for the test is less than the full period. In this case the kid can just do it with extended time in class. The teacher will either hand them their test early or allow them to keep working after they collected the other tests.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 10:41     Subject: Extra time accommodations logistics?
How does this work logistically in MCPS MS and HS for tests?

Does kid keep test paper and keep working during class after other kids have turned theirs in? Is this weird for the kid?

Does kid take test at a different time altogether? If so, when? And then what do they do during the class period when the rest of the class is taking the test?

How about for school-administered standardized tests like MAP, MCAP, MISA, etc?