Testing Accommodations

Students with visual, orthopedic or other "hidden disabilities" may not be able to take examinations in the conventional manner. This is especially true with timed exams. When students have special testing needs, DSPS staff is available to assist in developing and overseeing the testing procedures that are tailored to the student's needs, while maintaining the integrity of the test instrument. If the student is working through DSPS, they have met with a DSPS counselor, who, with the student's input, has recommended an appropriate test accommodation. The student will be given test accommodations paperwork signed by the DSPS counselor with directions that they will give to the instructor. They will also provide the instructor with a testing information form. The instructor should fill out this form and send it along with the test to the DSPS office prior to the time the exam is to be administered. (Both of these forms are contained in the appendix.)

If the student's test accommodation includes extended time for the exam, the student will most often take the exam at the same time as the class, in the DSPS offices, provided the student's class schedule permits. If some other scheduling arrangement must be made the instructor will be notified. DSPS staff will work with the instructor and the student to make the accommodated testing service as convenient and fair as is possible.

Because alternate formatting of the testing materials is often necessary, we ask that the test either be delivered to our office or picked up by our staff at the earliest possible time. At least three days prior to

testing is desirable. If the information or test is available on computer diskette or in e-text format please deliver it to the DSPS office accordingly-This will be very helpful and facilitate any alternate formatting requirements. Please provide the student with the dates of exams as well as the format (essay or multiple choice) in your syllabus as this will allow the student to properly schedule the test with the DSPS office ahead of time.

Confidentiality, security, proctor and test integrity are given highest priority by DSPS staff. All tests are kept under lock and key until administered.