Can students with LD take standardized tests?

Yes, students with learning disabilities (LD) are generally allowed to take standardized tests, and accommodations are often provided to ensure that they have equal access to the testing process. Standardized tests may include assessments such as state standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g., SAT, ACT), and other national or international standardized tests.

Here are some key points regarding students with learning disabilities and standardized testing:

1. Accommodations:

   • Most testing agencies, including those that administer college entrance exams, offer accommodations for students with documented learning disabilities. Common accommodations include extended testing time, breaks, separate testing rooms, use of assistive technology, and other adjustments that can help level the playing field for students with LD.

2. Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan:

   • Students with learning disabilities often have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan that outlines the specific accommodations and support they receive in the classroom. These plans can be used to request accommodations for standardized testing.

3. Documentation Requirements:

   • Testing agencies typically require documentation of the student's learning disability and a history of receiving accommodations in the academic setting. This documentation may come from educational or medical professionals who have assessed and diagnosed the learning disability.

4. Application Process:

   • Students or their parents/guardians usually need to initiate the accommodation request process by submitting the necessary documentation to the testing agency. The process and required documentation may vary depending on the specific test and testing organization.

5. College Board Accommodations (SAT, AP Exams):

   • The College Board, which administers the SAT, AP exams, and other assessments, has specific procedures for requesting accommodations. Students may need to work with their school's SSD Coordinator (Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator) to submit documentation and request accommodations.

6. ACT Accommodations:

   • The ACT also provides accommodations for students with disabilities. The process involves submitting a request for accommodations, including appropriate documentation of the disability, through the ACT website.

7. State and District Testing:

   • Students with learning disabilities may also receive accommodations for state-mandated standardized tests. These accommodations are typically aligned with the student's IEP or 504 Plan.

It's important for students and their families to be proactive in initiating the accommodation request process well in advance of the scheduled test date. Understanding the specific requirements and procedures of the testing organization is crucial to ensure a smooth application process.

By providing appropriate accommodations, testing agencies aim to create an inclusive testing environment that allows students with learning disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without being unfairly hindered by their disabilities.