Understanding Testing & Assessment Accommodations

Testing and assessment accommodations change how a test is given, not what is being tested. These accommodations allow students to demonstrate their knowledge without their disability getting in the way. Common examples include extended time, separate testing locations, and having questions read aloud.

Under IDEA and Section 504, your child has the right to accommodations during classroom tests, district assessments, and standardized state exams. These should be documented in your child's IEP and used consistently throughout the school year, not just during high-stakes testing.

When discussing testing accommodations at an IEP meeting, ask which accommodations your child currently uses in the classroom. The best testing accommodations match what your child already relies on during instruction. If your child uses text-to-speech during reading class, they should have the same support during reading assessments.