Application for ACT alternate testing

[kc4braves]

Does anyone have experience applying for alternate testing or extra time on the ACT? My 17 yo son is working with and Educational Specialist to improve his ACT scores. She has been working with him for a while and he does practice ACTs with her. She uses official ACT materials, times it, etc...just like the real thing. So, he does really well taking just 2 tests at a time with her.....27-29. However, when he has to try to do all 4 tests in one day, his scores drop significantly and he rarely actually finishes. He does answer everything but he doesn't get to give thought to all the questions. She suggested we try to get alternate testing where he would have the test split over more than one day and extra time. I had never tried because he has no testing accommodations at school. He does have time and a half at the college where he is taking College Algebra.

So.....even though we realize it's a long shot and that they consider current school testing accommodations most, we are going to apply and see if can get anything.

That being said, it has been left in my hands to get everything done. The 504 holder at the school will be the test administrator should he be approved and she will fill out the schools part of the appy. However, she told me today that she doesn't know how to write a letter for accommodations that are not provide at the school.

This paragraph from the appy addresses it some: If “No time extensions” is checked, COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED: if extended time is not officially permitted or used by this student
due to the diagnosis, attach a signed statement on school letterhead from a qualified professional (on staff at the school or school district) who has reviewed the
student’s file to: 1) state under what circumstances accommodations would be permitted for this student in the school and the basis for providing that accommodation
(include complete documentation—see “Guidelines for Documentation” on page 1; 2) explain why accommodations are not currently provided; 3) explain why you
believe accommodations should be allowed for the ACT; [/b]4) describe any assistance provided for this student outside of school, if known. Exceptions require
additional time for review, apply as early as possible.

So, I am trying to come up with intelligent reasoning to eplain why my son with ADHD and executive dysfunction might need extra time and or a split test. I'm not sure just sayig that 3 hours or so is too long to focus is enough.

Help please.

Thanks so much,

KAthy

[healthy11]

If your son isn't using extended time at school now, you are correct that it will be very difficult to convince the ACT Board to let him use that accommodation just for the testing. In addition, my understanding is that only kids who require double time are allowed to have the testing spread over 2 days... time-and-a-half, which my son had, was still given on a single day.

Has your son had a comprehensive evaluation within the past 3 years, and did the evaluator recommend that he could be helped by extended time for testing? If you don't mind my asking, what kinds of accommodations DOES your son's 504 plan currently list? What documentation did you provide to the college where your son is taking his algebra class, to convince them to grant him time-and-a-half? Perhaps a combination of a doctor's statement/addendum to the test report, stating extended time is recommended, along with a letter from the college's disability coordinator about him using extended time there, would help...

[kc4braves]

We don't have any test reports.
There has been no need for split testing or extra time because everything in HS is geared to be done in less time than the class period, is less complex and because the test only takes 30-45 mins does not tax his focus.

He actually feels that if they didn't drag the ACT out so much, he could finish the entire test in much less time and his focus would not suffer as much. That was his thoughts yesterday. He took a test from 2011 with the tutor and made 32, but because of time constraints on a week night, he went straight from one test to the next and finished it all in around 2.5 hours...maybe a little longer. But that was not having to stop and listen to directions or take a break. He just feels like the standard testing takes so long and he gets so tired focus wise. I don't know what to do. It sucks knowing he can do it but that the circumstances on testing day play a role in doing him in. Reading and science are usually his lowest scores on the official test and they come later in the morning on testing day. Reading is one of his highest scores when doing it in the afternoon at the tutors house or the location where she does workshops.... 30+. Science is usually the lowest score because it is so much interpretation not rote facts but he can make about a 25 on that when taken at her facility where the test is shorter overall. We are just putting this together.

He does not get everything finished on the actual ACT test so we were hoping extra time would give him a chance to finish. I'm just not sure that extra time on an already long exhausting test is the answer. We would love to have just the split testing even if no extra time. I realize he may get nothing but it doesn't hurt to try. Meanwhile he is continuing to prepare with his tutor.

His tutor who is and Educational Specialist and consultant is the one who recommended we try. She sees him improving by leaps and bounds and just wants him to have the chance to meet his potential on the test. I'm sure stress plays into it a lot but it is stressful by nature.

[michellea]

My daughter, who had a 504 for extra time and a neuropsych report that demonstrated slow processing speed and low working memory got time and one half from the College Board and no accommodations from the ACT. I have heard that the ACT is easier to deal with the College Board, but that was not our experience. We did not appeal. If I remember right, the ACT was clear in their requirements - diagnosed disability, history of using the accommodation in school and recent testing.

[kc4braves]

I know of a couple of people right now who have testing accommodations on ACT but none at school. They may have more recent testing indicating the need, though. ACT did tell me that they consider the current testing accommodations most but that they would consider any info we provided. So, we are giving it a shot.....We have nothing to lose and everything to gain so...what the heck. Maybe he will raise his score this Saturday and all will be for nothing. I really think it's stressful....but I know that he can do it. If he can do it for the tutor, he has the capability...he just needs to perform under stress. Easier said than done.

[healthy11]

I'm confused... Does your son currently attend a public school? If so, does he have a 504Plan? What accommodations does it list for him? How old is his last educational evaluation/testing? What did you use to get him time and a half accommodations at the college where he's taking his Algebra class?

FYI, my son, even with current testing that said he could benefit from extended time, was still initially denied it by the ACT board. We appealed twice, because they basically said "he doesn't have an IEP or 504Plan currently, so we don't see the need to give him test accommodations." When I finally got through to them that he was attending a parochial school, not a public one, and he had the " private school equivalent" of a 504Plan which called out extended time, they allowed it.

If you don't mind my asking, what does your son think he'd like to study in college? Does he have a particular university in mind that he wants to attend? Do you know what its typical "student profile" is, as far as average ACT and SAT scores? I wonder if your son might have better luck taking the SAT and getting accommodations from them?

[kc4braves]

Just wanted to update with the outcome of our application for alternate testing. I received a letter of approval for everything requested today. He has approval to test on multiple days with time and a half per test. I'm excited and shocked. I was hoping that he would at least get EITHER multiple day testing OR extra time but he got both. I turned in a letter with full documentation from the doctor with her reasons for recommending the ACT accommodations, a formal letter from the Educational Specialist who has been working with him for a year, a letter from the 504 holder at the school who will also give the test, and a copy of the accommodations he receives at both the college and the high school. He does not have extended time on tests at high school but all three people went into detail about why he doesn't need it at high school but does need testing accommodations for the ACT.

I hope he will make good use of this opportunity. I shared this to say, don't give up. Try adding extra documentation from anyone that will write a letter for you that has knowledge of your child. I guess you never know who will be reviewing your child's info and things could change.

Oh, healthy11, all we did at the college was show them the current and recent accommodations he had which included no timed math tests or math assignments. It didn't really address testing. It was more geared to the timed test they sometimes give where they have a very limited amount of time to complete. He also has the option of decreasing the amount of math problems given for homework. So if the teacher gives 60 math problems for homework and that would take my son 3 hours or more, he can decrease the number in each section of the homework so that he does work in each area but not the same quantity. He has improved in this area but the accommodation is still there if needed. No one realized for years that he was spending hours and hours on what they thought was 30 mins worth of work. Anyway, we did not have to jump through any hoops at the college.

[healthy11]

kc4braves, I'm glad everything seems to be working out well for your son! Truthfully, we also found it easier to get accommodations at the college level, than for the ACT testing. (At one university, he only had to provide a letter from the doctor who diagnosed his ADHD, to get accommodations.) It sounds like your son is already comfortable asking for and using accommodations when necessary, so he should do well going forward. What does your son hope to major in?

[michellea]

I'm shocked. That was not our experience at all, and it is somewhat aggravating in hind sight that my daughter, who had a well documented 504 that spanned 3 years, and comprehensive and compelling testing did not get anything. The lack of consistency is troubling. Did your DS get accommodations at the college w/o evaluative testing too? Wow, that has not been my experience.

Glad that it worked out for you - You are right. Never take no for an answer.

[beth]

michellea--that was our experience too. My ds got SAT accommodations but not ACT. And he had well documented testing and history going back to preschool.

In our case, I had thought SAT was a better match so did not pursue ACT until there wasn't time enough to appeal.

And the school submitted the documents both times.

[kc4braves]

I don't know the answer as to why dsgot the accommodations and others did not but he has had extensive 504s for 10 years. Specific testing accommodations just have not been needed in our school system. Two different people submitted documents explaining why at school it is not necessary but why it is necessary on the ACT. I don't know the rhyme or reason.

Also 10 years ago, many ( I might say most) ADHD diagnoses were made without tons of formal testing. He has taken the WISC IV twice. I really believed his was dyslexic. We also, the teachers and I, witnessed many things that confirmed the diagnosis over the years. We have worked with pediatricians and different psych doctors in 3 or 4 states and none required or suggested any additional testing. We of course did the Connors scale back 10 years ago and he was evaluated and was about to receive technology accommodations in 4th grade when we moved again. That never was accomplished here because they were not requiring the same skills....independent note taking from lectures, etc. At 17 he has matured some more and so far is handling things but still benefits greatly from the use of a computer and calculator. His English teacher told me, " It's amazing how much better his papers are when he uses the computer." Not amazing to me. I knew that back in 4th grade but they are just catching up.

As for the college.....we were not initially going to ask about accommodations but decided to go ahead and get things in place. We filled out some forms and they told us what was generally available and asked what he already had in place. My son met with them and got the accommodations. He did have some accommodations regarding math which may have helped since he is taking a math class at the college.

It does seem odd that they seem to be inconsistent. I have mixed feeling about the significance put on these tests anyway. We have a friend whose daughter makes As and BS in school and already has a near full scholarship offer in softball to a 4 year college but can't make the required 18 even with extra time and split testing. She has trouble with reading but copes with it in her classes...and may continue to cope well in life but the test stands in the way.

[kc4braves]

I am wondering if people are finding it easier to get ACT accommodations now than in the past? My 16 year old daughter was diagnosed ADHD in 4th grade but only got a 504 1 year ago as a sophomore. She just needed anything in HS. We were told AT the 504 meeting that she would not be eligible for ACT accommodations even though I did not even mention it. I remember thinking, if I think she needs it, I will go for it like before and see what happens.

She is struggling with the ACT even though she makes straight As. So I have someone working with her and was planning to attempt obtaining accommodations for the ACT in the fall. However, the testing coordinator at the school called asking my permission to try to obtain extra time for her for the special testing date our state is having as part of a pilot project. I thought they were applying for the max she could get but they only applied for extra time. I doubted she would get anything and was lining up my documentation to appeal if she was turned down. She got extra time with only her 504 that she has had one year. I was shocked.

I researched how time and a half self-paced worked and became a little concerned. If you are not familiar with this, the clock is set for 5 hours and starts when they start the first test. The student then determines when she takes breaks and when she changes test but the clock continues to run during breaks. It concerns me that the test is too much for one day, that she will be very distracted by up to 10 kids getting up and down while she is testing and that she may have issues monitoring the time for each test. So I called and asked questions at ACT since the school couldn't answer and was told to have them go back and reapply for split testing. I was told with ADHD this should be no problem. I guess we will see if that works out for Feb. If not she will use time and a half self paced in Feb and again in March with the school.

I never knew anyone at the school could apply for you or that there were certain accommodations considered to be for ADHD. Maybe they are coming around.

[healthy11]

kc4braves, THANK YOU for sharing this update. Perhaps the ACT people ARE becoming more lenient with regards to granting accommodations now, for a variety of reasons. (It shouldn't have to be this way, but maybe they are doing it as a business decision, to try to keep their income up. If it's too much of a hassle for students, fewer people are going to bother to take it. More and more colleges aren't even requiring standardized testing for admission. I just heard that my state, which used to administer the ACT to all 11th graders, is considering not doing so.)

In so far as extra time versus split time, I know my son, with ADHD as well as dyslexia, only got the extra time, but that was several years ago. He was strong in math, and mostly needs extra time for reading sections, so the 5 hours total time was adequate...I think he finished in about 4 1/2 hrs. My son did say he was in a room with about half a dozen other kids, but that didn't seem to be a major problem. As I recall, he mentioned the proctor in the room being somewhat more distracting, as she walked around. I'm not sure if having split testing would make any difference in that regard (although maybe even a proctor would sit still for shorter times over two days, versus one?)

[kc4braves]

With split testing, my son usually had just him or himself and one other student. He did two tests at a time so didn't fatigue as much. Plus he did not have to regulate his time himself. He had time and a half for each test with a short break in between each if needed. So he only had to worry about the remaining time for the one test he was currently taking.

I have not been able to get the school on the ball to get the request done for my daughter so she may not get to try for that for Feb. She has a high enough score to get in anywhere around here. She is trying to get a little higher to help pay for school. Of course all of that depends on where she goes. My don got some great scholarships at a regional university with a 27. At div 1 schools, that gets very little. She is still very unsure about the future. She is just hoping if she has time to complete the test that she may do better....plus she is worn out before she gets to science and she hates science. We will see what happens.

One thing I would say.......IF the school is filling out the information for you...make sure they request special testing if you believe split testing would benefit your child. Apparently, the school only requested extra time for my daughter.

[heathermomster]

It took two weeks for DS to receive approval for extended test taking time on the ACT. My DS is 2e with a maths/reading/handwriting SLD. He was diagnosed 8 years ago. We have homeschooled for the last 4 years and I submitted the ACT paperwork. As a homeschooler, DS has taken outside classes with accommodations and used extra time with basic calculator for standardized testing (SAT-10). I have not attempted to acquire SAT accommodations yet, but it seems irksome that SAT's SSD office requires the applicant to call and request the accommodations application.

[mykids]

My son will be taking the ACT soon, with accommodations of special testing, testing over a 3week period, time and a half, and use of computer. If I remember correctly he has SAT accommodations of time and a half, Writer/Scribe to record responses, test questions read aloud, written and oral copy of instructions.
His school counselor has completed all the paperwork for this.

I am a bit concerned with the lack of studying he has done to prepare. He really has no extra time, as he is not able to keep up with everything at school either.
Is there anyone who has a kid who did ok with just winging it and not studying? I’m hoping his scores are decent. He took a mock SAT last year and did very poor on it. I’m hoping the accommodations will help AND that he actually uses them and doesn’t rush through it.

What really baffles me, is that he has gotten accommodations of Writer/Scribe and use of computer from ACT and College Board, but school denied Assistive Technology. We are currently redoing the AT assessment with school. If he still does not qualify, I would say there is something terribly wrong.

[healthy11]

My son took the ACT without any kind of test prep or tutoring. Even though his scores were above average the first time he took it in spring of his Junior year, we decided to have him take it several more times (in summer, and once more in fall of his senior year) to improve his scholarship chances. In his case, his composite score continued to increase. (His math and science were always high, but his English and reading portions improved.) I believe his "familiarity" with the test process helped ease any anxiety and maybe having a few more months of actual schooling (between spring of Jr. yr. and fall of Sr. yr.) also helped.

I concur that it doesn't seem logical for your son to be allowed AT accommodations for the ACT, yet the school denies him AT. Hopefully, they will both grant him what he needs.