Definition of the Problem
Currently many teachers are unaware of the right for students with disabilities to have accommodations and do not have access to information that will provide them with the appropriate and allowable accommodations that can be used (Hollenbeck, 1998). Accommodations for students with disabilities involve techniques and support systems that help students to work around limitations that result from their disability. Testing accommodations are changes in testing material or procedures that enable students with a disability to participate in an assessment in a way that allows abilities to be assessed rather than disabilities (Elliott, 1997). There are many testing accommodations that students are entitled to under federal guidelines of IDEA (1997) and the state of Florida supports the mandates of the federal law. Specific guidelines for assessment modifications are stated in Rule 6A-1.0943,FAC, Modifications of State Student Assessment Test Instruments and Procedures for Exceptional Students and Other Eligible Handicapped Students (Beech, 1999). This State Board of Education Rule guarantees students with disabilities the right to have testing accommodations. All teachers of students with disabilities need training and access to a system that will help them determine testing accommodations needed for students with disabilities so appropriate and necessary accommodations will be used.
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Rationale for Systems Change
Proposed Systems Change
Future Directions
References and Additional Links
State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.0943, FAC
Possible Testing Accommodations
Determining Accommodations
Testing Accommodations Training Budget
Benefits of TAT
Legislation from the Individuals with Disabilities
Act (IDEA), 1997
Federal and State Laws Requiring Schools to
Provide Accommodations