Pediatricians Urged To Avoid Certain Tests For Kids With Autism

 Pediatricians and families are being urged to think twice before going forward with a handful of clinical tests for kids with autism and other disabilities. Read More >

Test-Maker Sued Over Divulging Students' Disabilities

A major standardized test-maker is being accused of illegally disclosing students' disabilities. Read More >

College Board expands testing accommodations

Students who receive testing accommodations at school will be eligible for accommodations on the SAT and other tests administered through the College Board beginning Jan. 1. College Board officials also announced new accommodations for English-language learners.

The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (12/2),  Education Week (tiered subscription model)

Special Ed Testing Accommodations Backfire

New tools meant to help students in special education take standardized tests actually made them harder, many teachers and administrators say.  https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/01/12/special-ed-testing-backfire/21760/

Test Maker Settles Disability Suit With Justice Department

In a deal with the federal government, the maker of a standardized test is agreeing to sweeping changes to ensure those with disabilities receive the accommodations they're entitled to.  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/05/20/test-maker-settles-disability/19378/

Study on read-aloud accommodations could inform common core policy

Students with disabilities and English-language learners who received read-aloud accommodations on the National Assessment of Educational Progress posted higher scores than similar peers who did not receive such accommodations, according to a report published by the National Center for Education Statistics, which administers NAEP. Some say the findings from the study could be useful as groups develop accommodation plans for assessments linked to Common Core State Standards. Education Week (tiered subscription model) (3/26)   http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/03/26/26naep.h33.html

ACT Accommodations

Standardized tests are often required to gain admission into postsecondary schools or to obtain professional certifications. Federal disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require entities that administer these tests to provide accommodations, such as extended time or changes in test format, to students with disabilities. GAO examined (1) the types of accommodations individuals apply for & receive & how schools assist them, (2) factors testing companies consider when making decisions about requests for accommodations, (3) challenges individuals & testing companies experience in receiving and granting accommodations, & (4) how federal agencies enforce compliance with relevant disability laws and regulations.

Among the findings reported by the GAO: "Most applicants GAO spoke with said they sought accommodations that they were accustomed to using, & some found it frustrating that the testing company would not provide the same accommodations for the  test." After studying this issue, the GAO recommends that the Department of Justice take steps to develop a strategic approach to enforcement such as by analyzing its data and updating its technical assistance manual. Justice agreed with GAO's recommendation.

For more information go to http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-40

Also, here is the web address of the new PACER handout "Preparation is key to gaining accommodations on ACT college entrance test": http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c193.pdf