Classroom Assessments

A learning disability may effect the way a student should be evaluated. If so, a special arrangement may be necessary.

Allow students to take examinations in a separate quiet room with a proctor. Students with learning disabilities are especially sensitive to distractions. Testing services are available at Learning Assistance Services and can be arranged through the Local Coordinator.
Grant time extensions on exams and written assignments when there are significant demands on reading and writing skills.
Avoid overly complicated language in exam questions. Clearly separate the questions in their spacing on the exam sheet. The use of answer sheets, especially computers, should be avoided for a student with perceptual deficits. Such forms can be especially troublesome when such a student is transferring answers.
Permit the use of a dictionary, computer spell checks, a proofreader, or, in mathematics and science, a calculator. In mathematics, the student may understand the concept, but may make errors by misaligning numbers or confusing arithmetical facts.
When necessary, allow the student to use a reader, scribe, word processor, tape recorder or laptop.
Consider alternative test designs. Some students with learning disabilities may find essay formats difficult, and a student with perceptual impairment is likely to have trouble with matching tests.
Consider alternatives or supplementary assignments that may serve evaluation purposes, such as taped interviews, slide presentations, photographs, essays, or hand-made models.