Faculty members may wish to handle their own accommodated testing. Primary consideration should be given to arranging a test so as to measure the student's acquired knowledge of the subject matter. To create a fair testing situation for students with disabilities you may need to consider supplying some or all of the following:

• an accessible test site
• special equipment (word processor, VisualTek) readers
• scribes
• large-print or braille copies of tests
• sufficient uninterrupted time
• quiet test environment (hallways and reception rooms are unacceptable for tests)

The Office of Disabled Student Development (DSD) is charged with reviewing relevant medical and psychometric materials in order to verify a disability that qualifies for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Should a student approach you with a request for an accommodation (such as one listed above), indicate that you will be able to discuss that when the student has presented you with a letter from the DSD office.

Test Administration in the Learning Center

A fair and convenient method for accommodated test administration is available through the Learning Center. This service is structured to provide fair evaluation of students with disabilities, without resulting in a competitive academic advantage over other students. Approximately 1,000 tests are administered in the Learning Center each year, and the utmost care is given to ensure that Ball State's academic standards are upheld.

In order to facilitate staffing at the Learning Center, it is requested that faculty members have the test in the Learning Center (NQ 323) the day before the test is to be given. Please send it to the attention of Dr. Jacqueline Harris, Coordinator of Test Administration. Instructions regarding the test should be attached (open book, open note, calculator, etc.). Also remember to include your name, phone number, campus address, and the student's name. A Learning Center employee will return the test to your departmental office in a sealed envelope after the test has been completed. If you have questions concerning the procedures, please call Dr. Harris or her staff at 285-3779.

Test administration in the Learning Center involves only physical assistance in accordance with a student's functional limitation (e.g., reading, writing, marking answer sheets, setting up word processing, or using the print enlargement unit). Students receive no assistance with content. The student is not permitted to use notes, books, tapes, or any supplementary materials unless the faculty member notifies the Learning Center of a specific exception.

Extended Testing Time - What is Appropriate?

There are situations in which a reasonable test accommodation dictates extended time so that the student can complete a test. For many students with disabilities, taking tests within the normal time (50 minutes) will not result in a fair evaluation. The rule of thumb for adequate extended time is time and a half to double time (75-100 minutes). For instance, students with dexterity problems are not able to write quickly, some - but not all -blind and visually impaired students will need tests read to them or can read their own tests if they are prepared in braille. Braille tests take time to prepare and read. Students with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder often experience severe test anxiety and require extended time for their knowledge to be measured fairly.

DSD will work with faculty members and students to establish what is a fair amount of time. Faculty members will find that, most often, students will not use all the additional time allotted. Having the extended time will, however, allay the fear of not being able to complete the test and the result will be a more equitable testing environment for the student.