Accommodation/Extra time on PSAT, SAT, ACT

[mykids]

What are the usual proper channels to go through for asking for accommodations/extra time on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT?

[kewpie]

I would ask the resource person at the school in writing. They are supposed to be taking care of that.

[bros]

When I was in HS, my parents had to file the paperwork themselves because the case manager kept filling out the form wrong.

[michellea]

Usually the guidance department completes and files the paperwork working in concert with the special ed dept to get the info.

[eoffg]

Their are deadlines for applying for accommodations.
For December tests, it is October 16.
Is their a documented history of extended time on tests?
As this will make the approval easier.

[mykids]

I told him yesterday to go see the guidance counselor, but he forgot. Hopefully he will remember today. Based on past experiences with resource not following thru I’m trying to avoid having to go directly thru that route.
I know he has extended time on IEP, however I’m not sure as to how often he uses it. There have been times during IEP meetings when asking teacher if extended time was used and teacher does not know. Apparently they are not keeping track?

[healthy11]

There were several excellent past discussions about getting ACT/SAT accommodations on SchwabLearning, but unfortunately, when Greatschools took over, the content wasn't maintained. This might give you a little more information: millermom.proboards.com/thread/9748/accommodations-sat-act

[bros]

Oct 1, 2015 8:03:56 GMT -5 mykids said:

I told him yesterday to go see the guidance counselor, but he forgot. Hopefully he will remember today. Based on past experiences with resource not following thru I’m trying to avoid having to go directly thru that route.
I know he has extended time on IEP, however I’m not sure as to how often he uses it. There have been times during IEP meetings when asking teacher if extended time was used and teacher does not know. Apparently they are not keeping track?

Just apply yourself and send in a copy of evaluations and IEPs

[healthy11]

Bros, I respectfully disagree...if her son is forgetful/afraid or for whatever reason doesn't follow through, I'd recommend that mykids contact the guidance counselor directly and ask what the school needs in order to apply for accommodations for her son. (Mykids, be aware that the SAT and ACT are administered by separate organizations, so different applications for accommodations are required.)

[mykids]

I was just on collegeboard.org and it says it takes 7 weeks to get approval. I guess accommodations for this PSAT is out being as he is taking it in a week and a half. And I don’t see why you would take the PSAT more than once.

He did speak with the counselor today. The counselor told him he did not know how this worked and would get back with him tomorrow.

So can you just apply for accommodations for SAT and ACT now for when ever you decide to take them? I understand you have to apply for each different test SAT vs Act, but do you have to apply for each time you take the SAT or ACT or do you just have to apply once?

[michellea]

When you apply for accommodations thru the College Board it applies to all their tests - SAT, AP etc. You only have to apply once. They give you a number that you would use each time you register for one of their tests and the accommodations are immediately flagged. You are right, ACT is a different company, and you need to file a separate request with them directly.

I think it is great that your son is working directly with his counselor. Wonderful self- advocacy. If the counselor does not get things moving quickly - you may need to step in. It is troubling to me that he or she did not know how it worked. Accommodations are not an unusual request.

[wordnerdjenn]

I'm a tutor who works with kids with learning differences, so I deal with this all the time! The procedures for the College Board and the ACT are completely different.

In almost all cases, the school will submit the application for the PSAT/SAT. Some schools do this as a matter of course for all kids taking the PSAT, but don't assume anything and be sure to check with the counselor/specialist's office who handles these things. In many cases, the College Board essentially allows the schools to determine eligibility for accommodations, so if your child has a history of IEP/504 and uses extended time in school, his/her chances are usually good with the SAT. However, you will still need to have current documentation on file with the school (within 5 years for LD's, 1 year for psych/medical).

The ACT is a completely different story. It's usually the better test for LD kids, but getting accommodations is harder. The schools will never initiate the process because you are required to register fpr an ACT date before submitting the application. They require documentation updated within three years (1 for psych/medical).  You will complete some of the paperwork, and the school will complete some.  You'll mail it all in, though.  The way extended time and other accommodations are provided are VERY advantageous and flexible. It's usually worth the hassle.

With both testing companies, once you are approved, you are automatically approved for any future tests, too. You just have to provide an authorization code when you register for other dates.

And by all means, start the process very early! There's no reason not to see approval in sophomore year if your student qualifies. If you have to appeal, you have plenty of time to complete it before crunch time! Hope all that helps.

[healthy11]

Wordnerdjenn, thank you for your insights... I'll admit that I was confused at first, when you said a person needs to have current documentation on file with the school(1 year for psych/medical) because I was incorrectly interpreting it as the student's psychological and medical evaluations had to be less than a year old. I now realize you meant that if a student needs accommodations due to a psychological or medical condition, as opposed to needing accommodations due to a previously identified learning disability, that's when they need to have documentation that's less than a year old.

Mykids, for more information about ACT testing accommodations, this may be helpful:
learningdisabilities.about.com/od/collegevocationalschool/qt/Act-Testing-Accommodations-College-Entrance-Testing-Accommodations-For-The-Act.htm

[wordnerdjenn]

Yes! Sorry not to be totally clear. If accommodations are based on medical/psych, documentation must be current within the last year. As an aside, for students who have both a psychiatric diagnosis (like anxiety disorders) and LD/ADHD, applying for accommodations using the psych diagnosis can be easier and more likely to succeed. This is especially true for students who were only recently diagnosed with ADHD. Many students and families, and schools for that matter, may not realize you can qualify for accommodations with other diagnoses.

[healthy11]

Mykids, if your son's application for test accommodations is initially denied, don't give up; file an appeal. When my son applied for ACT accommodations several years ago, parents on LD forums indicated that it was more common to be denied accommodations on the first try, than to be granted accommodations. We had to appeal twice, in part because my son was attending a private school rather than public, so his IEP was no longer being utilized (though he did have an accommodation plan). At that time, we also heard that applications submitted directly by schools were more likely to be approved, but we had submitted it ourselves, again because my son wasn't attending a public school. Presumably your son's counselor will figure out how to file the application, and your son will be granted whatever accommodations he needs.

Wordnerdjenn,
I remember hearing that the SAT was going to be converting their testing to be computer-based, but I can't recall when it was supposed to go into effect, and if that was just for the writing portion, or is the entire test now done without paper and pencil? (Again, it's been a few years since my son took the PSAT/ACT, but we used to have to submit a request for accommodations to have him generate the writing sample using a keyboard...)

[eoffg]

It's not a conversion to computer based, but an additional way. As pen and paper can still be used.
It is being offered, where they can find enough computers to use.

Also a new version of SAT will be introduced next year.

[wordnerdjenn]

healthy11 - Both the SAT and ACT have announced plans to offer computer based testing (CBT), but neither is widely offering it at the moment. The ACT has had some official tests offered by computer over the last year as pilots, but there is no widespread usage yet (largely impacted by the availability of computers at schools as eoffg mentioned). I also think the CBT administrations have occurred as part of state testing, not on national test dates. The SAT has said CBT is coming, but I just checked the CB website and there is no information that I can find about implementation any time soon. I'm personally not a fan of CBT tests - assuming the format is like the current GRE - since you can't skip questions and come back to them. It's also very difficult to work with geometry questions when you can't write on the picture! It just occurred to me that maybe that's why the CB is getting rid of most of the geometry questions on the new SAT. Who knows? I would just really wonder at comparing the two formats, since my gut tells me the paper and pencil test is easier to take. But, I don't know much about the details of how they are implementing the CBT, so I'm just speculating.

As for computer based writing, both tests do offer it as an accommodation for the essay portion of the test. You just have to apply for the accommodation as you would any other.

[mykids]

He was recently diagnosed with ADHD - Inattentive. He should apply with that? I guess I’m not understanding how you apply (obviously I have never done this before). Wouldn’t you list all areas of disability to show what accommodations may be needed?

I was told by counselor that, "We may need to update and send documents, if and when a new IEP is conducted/updated.” Not sure what he means by this. Does he mean anytime there is a new IEP we have to reapply? We do have new/updated testing from an IEE we have not yet gone into meeting to discuss, along with ADHD - Inattentive from Neurologist.

I’m wondering if it is best to hold off on applying until after we meet. Currently school has none of this updated testing.

[bros]

Oct 5, 2015 8:22:26 GMT -5 mykids said:

He was recently diagnosed with ADHD - Inattentive. He should apply with that? I guess I’m not understanding how you apply (obviously I have never done this before). Wouldn’t you list all areas of disability to show what accommodations may be needed?

I was told by counselor that, "We may need to update and send documents, if and when a new IEP is conducted/updated.” Not sure what he means by this. Does he mean anytime there is a new IEP we have to reapply? We do have new/updated testing from an IEE we have not yet gone into meeting to discuss, along with ADHD - Inattentive from Neurologist.

I’m wondering if it is best to hold off on applying until after we meet. Currently school has none of this updated testing.

Apply with ADHD Inattentive. You apply and request the accommodations that he would need on the test based on disability - they do not go "Oh, you have ADHD? You get these accommodations!" as they have varying amounts of extended time and things like that. Apply now and update if you have to appeal. Send a copy of the IEP currently in effect if it has proof he has the accommodations you are requesting.

[healthy11]

Forgive me for asking you to repeat information that you probably gave in prior discussion threads, but what are ALL the diagnoses your son currently has? And he's already a Junior/11th grader, correct?

Unfortunately, a RECENT diagnosis of ADHD alone is generally looked upon with skepticism by the testing agencies, in part because it's hard to show that there's been a "history of needing accommodations." On the other hand, if your son already had an IEP due to other Learning Disabilities, it shouldn't be an issue. Typically, the accommodations a student requests for ADHD are similar to what they might request for LDs, like extended time to take the test in a quiet room. On the other hand, having multiple "learning issues," like LDs and ADHD, generally can strengthen the case for a student needing accommodations.

The good news is that you don't have to reapply every time there's a new IEP, assuming accommodations are granted that meet your son's needs, but if the accommodations listed in his current IEP don't address his needs, then it might make more sense to wait to apply. Realize, I'm talking about the ACCOMMODATIONS in his IEP, not remediation, which the school might list separately. The SAT/ACT people aren't likely to care if your son gets a revised IEP that now lists things about getting x minutes of study skills each week, for example. Nor, in the standardized test environment, will the ACT/SAT people do things like "tap on shoulder to redirect his attention."

As far as waiting to apply, when are you scheduled to meet again with the school to give them the updated neuropsych results? As Bros mentioned, the other option is to apply with what you have, and then provide updated info if you are denied and have to appeal.

[mykids]

Currently school has: SLD in reading fluency, written expression, sensory motor skills, and visual processing.

IEE shows: Basic reading (Dyslexia), Math fluency, written expression (Dysgraphia), and 3 processing disorders (of which I am unclear, but from looking at report I think it refers to Psychomotor Speed @ 7th percentile, Reaction Time @ 1st percentile, and Processing Speed @ 1st percentile. The next lowest is in Cognitive Flexibility at 16th percentile with Symbol Digit Coding Subtest at 67, 1st percentile) - School does not yet have this information. And we have not meet to discuss findings, I’m just reading the report.

Neurologist: Diagnosis as ADHD - Inattentive ( School (IEP Team) does not yet have this, although he is taking medication at school and of course is on file with the school office) - this was diagnosed at end of last school year.

He has had an IEP since end of 3rd grade. The accommodations at school have been in place sense then. He has always had difficulty with acceptance of disability and rarely asks to use an accommodation. Usually when he does it is extended time, and school from what I see does not seem to keep track of whether or not he is using this. So I am a bit concerned that if they look at that to determine eligibility of accommodations this may hurt him.

So what I am understanding is that it is probably best to just apply now and if not approved he can always reapply. He really just wants extended time. He took a mock SAT last year and did very poorly and realized that he probably does need the extended time for this.

I’m not sure when we will meet, I’m waiting for school to get back to us with dates.

[healthy11]

Throughout my son's schooling, I don't think anyone kept track of when he used his extended time/quiet room accommodations, either. I suspected it was primarily for Language Arts exams, since he has dyslexia and dysgraphia in addition to ADHD, and it was when he had lengthy reading and/or writing requirements that he really struggled. While it didn't matter for his initial ACT accommodation request, it was helpful for me to know that during the appeals process. We were able to get his English and Foreign Language teachers to each write letters, stating that he had used extended time accommodations in their classrooms. (They tactfully worded their letters, and didn't say "he always uses extended time" but they were able to say things like "the quality and quantity of his work improves when given extended time.) If you at least can find out from your son where/when he DOES use the extended time accommodations, maybe you can get that teacher to provide supporting documentation if you have to submit an appeal.

[eoffg]

Mykids, you wrote that 'he has had an IEP since end of 3rd grade.'
Have you kept copies of these, and is 'extended time on tests' detailed on them?
As that would show a history.
Any supporting letters from teachers, stating that he used extra time on tests.
Would be helpful.
In regard to: "We may need to update and send documents, if and when a new IEP is conducted/updated.”
As he only wants 'extended time'.
Make sure that it listed on his new IEP.
As this would confirm that he still needs 'extended time'.

But you wouldn't have to reapply with each new IEP.
Unless a new accommodation is being requested?
Though this would be difficult to get.

Their focus on a 'history of use of an accommodation' happened about 4 or 5 years ago.
They found that in the months before some students took their SAT, etc.
Some parents were having their child coached in how to fail a neuropsych evaluation?
With the aim of increasing their SAT scores.
So that they would choose what accommodation might increase their scores?
Such as 'extended time'.
Then they would be coached on which sub-tests to fail on, and how to fail.
To get the accommodations that they chose.

So to stop this happening, they made the change to having to prove a history of use of accommodation.
Which these students that were coached, didn't have.
The basic criteria they use for granting an accommodation?
Needs to answer the question: 'Is this accommodation, a normal use by the student?'
With an emphasis on 'normal use'.

[mykids]

Well, I just got notice that he was approved for PSAT, SAT, AP and NMSQT (not sure what that is). Too bad he just took the PSAT today. I was expecting just time and a half, but they also approved for a scribe ( It’s unfortunate, but at this time,I doubt that he will use a scribe) and written copy of oral instructions.
Still waiting to hear about accommodations for ACT.

[healthy11]

So did the school apply on his behalf, or did you? In either case, it sounds like it was approved quickly.

NMSQT= National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (it's basically "the best of the best" scores on the PSAT).

Out of curiosity, what did your son have to say after today's test?

[mykids]

School applied for him. What I understood from reading the college board website, it is faster if the school applies, but I was surprised that it was approved as quickly as it was, within a weeks time.

About the test, basically he said, some of the test was hard but overall it did not seem to be extremely difficult. It was easier than the mock SAT he took, which he did score very low on. But there also was no writing portion on this PSAT, which seems weird to me because if it is a practice for the SAT and the SAT has a writing portion then I would think the PSAT would of as well.

[healthy11]

It takes more time to grade essays, because writing portions of tests aren't scored by computers, unlike Scantron, fill-in-the-circle answer sheets. (A few years ago, I actually heard someone was trying to develop computer software to grade the written essays, but it's not being used yet.)
Here's an article that lists some things to help improve a student's writing section grade, and since legible writing is important, I'd use the scribe since he's got that accommodation: www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/sat-essay

[mykids]

Thanks for the article Healthy11, I’ll certainly pass this on to him.