I am often stopped and asked a variety of questions regarding the students with disabilities (SWD) here at NMC.
Many of those questions revolve around the approved accommodations.
In the next several editions of this column I’ll share some of those in a Q & A format.
Q: I just received a notice from you that a student in my class qualifies for ‘testing accommodations’. Now what do I do?
A: Breathe! One of the most common accommodations for students with qualifying documentation of a disability is 50% extended testing time and testing in the Testing Center.
Q: What does that 50% extended time actually mean?
A: Extended testing time simply means that the qualifying student is allowed time and a half on tests and quizzes. If the rest of the class is given 1.5 hours to complete an exam then the qualifying student is given 2 hours 15 minutes.
Q: Does the extra time apply to take home tests and homework?
A: No.
Q: The rest of the class can earn points for group work after the test is finished. So, if the SWD (remember… Student With Disability) isn’t here for that I’ll have to give him/her a zero.
A: Actually, the SWD who is taking advantage of their approved accommodation cannot be punished in this way. They must be offered a chance to earn those points just like their classmates. Some departments ask the SWD to begin their test early and require them to be back in the classroom at a certain time in order to participate in an activity.
Q: Is my test kept secure?
A: Sure! You send the test to the Testing Center with the completed proctor sheet. The SWD checks in there and the standard monitoring procedures are followed. The completed test is returned to you per the information you provide on the proctor sheet. Remember to mention the extended time limit on that form.
Q: I received a notice from you that one of my students qualifies for a reader during exams. Does that mean I have to read the test to her?
A: No. The students are trained on a program called Kurzweil 3000. With that technology, the test is uploaded into the program and read aloud buy the computer. Students complete the answer sheet or essay questions as usual and return the completed test to the Testing Center staff.
Q: Who usually qualifies for testing accommodations?
A: Students who have documentation of a disability that substantially limits their ability to complete exams in the standard amount of time. Examples include: ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, MS, depression, and dyslexia… just to name a few!
For more information and to suggest topics for future articles contact: Leanne Baumeler, NMC Disability Support Services Specialist, 995-1929 or Lbaumeler@nmc.edu.