How to get test accommodations

[Familyfirst13]

Hello. I'm so glad I found this support group. I'm trying to get testing accommodations for my 13 year old son who has ADHD and I have no idea where to start. I've been researching and I'm not getting the direct answers I need. The end of the year standardized tests are coming up soon. I hope I have enough time to make this happen. I didn't even know this existed but I'm glad I found out about it. My son tells me how he never has time to finish his tests and he usually has to just circle answers real quick so as not to leave them blank. I feel confident that he would benefit from more time. I also think being in a separate room would help, but I'm not sure if that's asking the school for too much?? I would love to know how this stuff works. His teachers and guidance counselor know he has ADHD and that he's taking guanfacine. He has a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and the pediatrician that has his condition documented. So now what?

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for joing the group. What you would be asking for is a 504 educational plan. Just write a simple letter and send it to the principal. Or bring it into his school and hand it to them. It is also helpful, but not required to include proof/letter about his ADHD.

You should be requesting accommodation for all of his education, which should include state testing.

Once they get the letter, the timeline starts for them to get back to you. You could also say you want the accommodations for the 2023-2024 state testing, which will need to be set up in the computer before he takes it.

Then spend some time looking up all of the accommodations you can request.

504 plans are assigned by all different school employees. Some could be written by the school counselor. Some have an individual teacher. It just depends on the school and district. The school will call a meeting with you and go over the plan if approved.

I hope this helps.

We are always here to support you.

[JamB11]

Yes, request a 504 plan for accommodations from the school asap.

understood.org/en/articles/...

[Mamamichl]

I work in education. Does your kid have an iep? If not, request an iep evaluation in writing to the teacher and cc the principal (can be email or letter). From that day, the school has 60 days to get your signature to evaluate and then study strengths and weaknesses of your kid. When you have the iep meeting, ask for the supplemental aid and assessments for time and a half. You don’t need a medical diagnosis, but having one makes things a bit easier on the school. Pm me if you have more questions.