Establishing Testing Policies and Procedures for Students with Accommodations

Establishing Testing Policies and Procedures for Students with AccommodationsPresented by Cheryl Downey-EberManager, Testing Center ServicesMissouri University of Science and TechnologyFocus on:S&T Testing Center history Noticing trendsAdapting policy & proceduresFrustration between Testing Center and Disability Support Services Moving ForwardOrigins of Testing CenterPrior to 2003 - Tutoring, Disability Support and Testing services under Counseling and Academic Support Programs< 80 students and < 100 tests administeredDuring 2003 saw addition of Disability Support Services Advisor and Testing Center Manager2005-2006 saw a 40% increase in number of tests administered to students with self reported ADA/504 accommodationsAcademic Support Programs dissolved toward end of 2007 - DSS and Testing under Counseling until 2009 Testing Center moved to report directly to the office of Vice Chancellor-Student AffairsCurrent S&T ADA/504 PopulationOver 400 self identified students registered with Disability Support ServicesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 60%Learning Disability 25%Aspberger's 13%Psychological Disorders 13%Health conditions 11%Mobility 6%Hearing Impaired 5%Visual Impairment 4%Observed TrendsIncrease in student populationSteps made rebuilding relationships and service to facultyCommon classroom testing - not only final examsIncreases from October to December and March to May - Thursdays & FridaysAcademic progress of students Noticing more double time and reduced distraction environmentsThinking someone else is responsible for test arrangementsCompletion of general education core requirements Monthly updatesChartsAnnual Report Reserve additional space10 Reduced distraction environments- 16 adaptable seats - in which 12 seats may serve as a reduced distraction environmentCommunication of trendsWorkflow activity

*AY-10-11 Testing Center no longer administering the Math Placement Exam for Pro

** AY 11-12 Testing Center no longer administering the Trigonometry placement test for Trig Review Opening Week.First accommodation testing policyAppeared as walk in-no clue as to who would be showing upEstablished policy for student's being responsible for scheduling appointmentsFaculty did not provide enough information to proctor a testEstablished an online proctor request formNo information given to students regarding Testing CenterCreated a two sided 8 1/2 x 11 policy document covering responsibility for appointments and using the Testing CenterViewed the Disability Support Services Advisor as the expert Changes over timeLimited ResourcesEncouraged to set a registration/schedule statementStudentsAs space was limited had to place deadline datesUsed student eConnectionCreated webpage with policiesFacultyEmailed faculty who used Testing CenterNew Faculty Welcome and Orientation DayEnd of the semester appreciation emails

Disability Support Services AdvisorReceive list and updates to of self identified students registeredPersistent Concerns CommunicationRarely heard from either the student or facultyIncreased emails sent FacultyTests not deliveredToo many studentsStudentsLack of communicationBelieved course professor made all arrangementsTesting CenterNot standing firm with policies

Disability Support Services AdvisorReaction to active implementation of policies

Revision 2012-2013

Revising Policies and ProceduresResourcesNCTA listservDavid Espinoza, Tim O'Connor and Heidi PettyjohnAd-hoc Committee for Non-Standard Testing Accommodations

Use of a mediator Next levelCampus and/or system wide legal servicesRegional Office of Civil Rights

Discussion of PolicyHad to change a few words Registration/scheduling vs confirmingTest start time to time blockIncrease in CommunicationCourse professor has the decision how/where the accommodation is to be metStudents have the responsibility to confirm test planTesting Center staff responsible to remain firm with policyMoving Forward-What I learnedCommunication is importantPolicy is to make the best possible use of resourcesOkay to have reasonable expectationsSometimes you have to say "No," to see changes Each semester prior to taking the first test with your accommodations, present the accommodation letter to the course professor.*The course professor then decides how and where the accommodation is to be met. If the decision is to use the Testing Centers services, then the following must be observed

Confirm your intent to take your test by the test registration deadline. This deadline is seven days prior to the day of your test for tests taken during the semester. Final exam deadlines Fall semester must confirm by the last Friday in October; Spring semester must confirm by the first Friday in March.

Exceptions (illness, recently self-identified accommodations, etc) will occur and we will work with students and faculty on a case-by-case basis; however, same day service will not be allowed. Less than 7 day notice may be accepted, but is limited due to available resources.

Right to refuse service if:Less than seven days notice from the studentStudent reports more than 15 minutes late to scheduled test time blockA course professor presents Testing Center staff with a test, but the student has not confirmed with the Testing Center.Busy time of the semester, i.e. Midterm and FinalsLimited space and/or staffBuilding maintenance, computer upgrades, special presentationsQuestions and CommentsIf you want copies of S&T policies for faculty and students, test request form and/ or student classroom test registration form send an email to cherylde@mst.edu