Are accommodations permissible for IEP students?
• Yes and No. • No: Generally speaking, since the ITBS is being used to measure reading ability, there should be no accommodation which might possibly invalidate the purpose of the measure. For example, it would be inappropriate for a test administrator to read or clarify any portion of the test or provide extra time on a timed subtest. • Yes: Accommodations that deal with non academic factors are permissible. For example, if, according to an IEP, a student needs a different testing environment (e.g. quiet, smaller setting, etc.) or requires an adult to refocus and keep him or her on task, these types of accommodations would be appropriate so long as they do not invalidate any aspect of the purpose of the measure or subtest. • There are some students who, because of significant cognitive disabilities, can not take the state tests (e.g. IRI and ISAT). However, even in those circumstances, state law requires the school to give an alternative assessment that would inform instruction. Our
