Recently the ACT announced changes that make it much easier for students with documented disabilities to get accommodations. Over the past few months, my observation is that it is still challenging for students with newly diagnosed disabilities to get accommodations. That said, you lose 100% of what you DON’T ask for. If the ACT is truly the better fit test for students with documented disabilities, it may be worth appealing a denial.
Since accommodations for documented disabilities are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and/or Section 504 of the Americans With Disabilities ACT, accommodations are a right, not a privilege.
- Determine whether the SAT or the ACT is the better fit test (don’t waste time & money on preparing for both)
- Learn about applying for accommodations for the SAT and the ACT and determine eligibility
- Ensure that all supporting documentation is in order and is less than 3 years old
- Identify a target date by which accommodations will be required and know deadlines for applying for accommodations by clicking HERE for the SAT and THERE for the ACT
- Contact the high school SSD coordinator, special education administrator, guidance counselor or other school representative to get the application submitted
- If accommodations are denied, consider an appeal
- Prepare for the test by learning strategies and practicing
- Sign up to take the test (ACT) (SAT)
- Analyze results, assess strengths and weaknesses, and if necessary, develop a plan to improve
- Take the test again
To learn more about how to determine which test is the better fit, applying for accommodations, appealing denials, and about ways to prepare for the SAT or ACT, please contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com
0 Comments