Standardized tests can feel overwhelming—especially for kids with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Accommodation Plans. But here’s the good news: in New York, schools are required to provide testing accommodations that make sure your child can demonstrate their skills and knowledge. This applies to both the Regents exam and NY State Assessments in grades 3-8.
Accommodations do not change the skills or content being measured. Instead, accommodations are intended to remove barriers and increase access.
In this article, we’ll break down these crucial aspects of testing accommodations in a way that’s easy to understand. Let’s dive into the top questions parents have about testing accommodations for kids on IEPs in New York.
1- Is my child eligible for testing accommodations?
Yes, students with disabilities who have IEPs or 504 Plans may receive testing accommodations on all assessments, including New York City and New York State assessments such as:
- Elementary- and Intermediate-Level Assessments: Grade 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics; Grade 4 & 8 Science
- Secondary-Level Examinations: Grade 9-12 Regents Exam
To receive testing accommodations, a student’s IEP or 504 Plan team must include the testing accommodations a student requires on the student’s IEP or 504 Plan. Work with your child’s IEP team to review, update, and document your child’s testing accommodations each year.
2- Will my child’s classroom accommodations be automatically applied?
No, you will not automatically get the same accommodations as you have in the classroom. Check your child’s IEP for the section labeled “Testing Accommodations”. That is where any planned accommodations for these tests are listed. Make sure you talk about and document these accommodations in your child’s IEP well ahead of the test dates.
3- What types of testing accommodations are available?
The specific accommodations your child receives will depend on their individual needs and the recommendations of the IEP team. New York offers a range of accommodations for students with disabilities, including:
- Extended time on the test
- Small group or individual testing environments
- Use of assistive technology
- Read-aloud assistance
- Scribing assistance
- Frequent breaks during testing
- Braille or large-print materials
- More complete list of accommodations
Generally, the accommodations will be ones your child regularly uses in the classroom. But there may be classroom accommodations that are not considered appropriate for testing. Work with your child’s IEP team to review which testing accommodations to include.
4- Why does it matter?
Test scores can help measure progress and see how effective the school’s teaching methods are. While it can be tempting to opt-out of testing for kids who struggle with academics and testing, it does provide data that can be useful in judging whether your child is making effective progress. Standardized testing data can be compared to data provided by classroom teachers and specialists to see if it is all telling the same story.
5- Will accommodations affect my child’s scores or the test’s fairness?
The good news is that accommodations are meant to level the playing field. They are there to help your child take the test without any barriers, so it accurately shows what they know and can do. While accommodations change how the test is given, they don’t change the content or skills that a test measures.
6- Are there resources to help me advocate for my child?
Yes! If you’re unsure about what accommodations your child qualifies for or need support advocating, check out:
- KidvoKit – Ask KidvoKit to explain any aspect of navigating your child’s NY state IEP process: terms, procedures, interventions, accommodations, etc…
- New York State Education Department: Accommodations for Testing
- New York City Public Schools: Testing Accommodations
Wrap Up
As a parent, understanding the accommodations process and working closely with your child’s IEP team to get those accommodations listed in their Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan is key. With the right accommodations and some prep, your child can show off their abilities and make meaningful progress in their education. By understanding their rights and working with their school, you can help set them up for success on test day.
