Accommodated Testing
Accommodated Testing
Reasonable test/quiz accommodations remove disability-related barriers to various assessment environments –online, paper-pencil, in-class, remote, etc. As each individual may experience barriers that differ from those of another, options for facilitating test accommodations also vary based on the nature of the course and exam structure/design. Some accommodations may be already be built into online course design (ex: assistive reading software - ReadSpeaker), while other accommodations may still need to be provided by instructors on an individual basis (ex: distraction-reduced environment, 1.5x extra time). Therefore, it is critical for students and instructors to discuss the structure of the course/exam to best determine what specific accommodation(s) are needed and how they can be facilitated.
Per Academic Policy 1520.20 (APS 1520.20), faculty members should accommodate students within the department/building that other students are testing, as to give the students with disabilities access to an instructor/proctor for questions, unless the student's accommodations cannot be provided within department (ex: assistive software, alternative format, no space available).
The CEA and the Office of Testing Services, a unit of the Graduate School & International Education, partnered in July 2022 to further aid in the University's commitment of providing students equitable access to university programs and services, by providing more inclusive & equitable testing locations for in-person accommodated exams, in accordance with APS 1520.20. The CEA serves as a liaison and works collaboratively with testing services to ensure student accommodations are implemented appropriately.
Student: Quick Tips for Using Test Accommodations
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Complete the CEA's Registration Process
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Request accommodation letters by course to send official notice to your instructors. (For Reference: How to Request Accommodation Letters)
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Contact your instructors before each exam (1-2 weeks recommended) to discuss the exam's format, the accommodations needed, and how they will be implemented.
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When applicable, schedule accommodated exams with Testing Services in advance (1 week recommended) via your CEA Student Login. For questions/concerns or for assistance scheduling, contact testing services via email (testing@uark.edu) or phone (479-575-3948).
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If your requested accommodations are NOT provided - NOTIFY your INSTRUCTOR & CEA IMMEDIATELY. (For Reference: ADA/504 Grievance Procedure )
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For more information about using test accommodations, please reference our other designated Accommodated Testing web pages - Student Guidance and FAQ: Students or contact our office!
- Need additional accommodations? Contact the CEA at ada@uark.edu or 479-575-3104.
Faculty: Quick Tips for Providing Test Accommodations
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Proactively identify plan for facilitating common test accommodations (ex: 1.5x / 2x extra time, distraction-reduced environment).
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Upon receiving the student’s accommodation letter, contact the student to discuss accommodation(s) needed and how they will be implemented.
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In-Class Exams: Testing Services operates in accordance with APS 1520.20 to assist faculty by proctoring in-class accommodated exams. Contact Testing Services at testing@uark.edu or 479-575-3948 to request their services.
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Online Exams: adust the exam's time parameters for applicable students. (For reference: TIPS: Setting up CEA Accommodations for Test and Quizzes.)
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Use the CEA Faculty Login to manage student accommodations - including viewing students' accommodation letters and exam appointments with Testing Services.
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For additional information about providing test accommodations, please reference our other designated Accommodated Testing web pages - Faculty Guidance and FAQ: Instructors
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Have questions/concerns about your student's test accommodations? Contact the CEA at ada@uark.edu or 479-575-3104!
NOTE: Many instructors have developed new and innovate ways to assess student learning without using timed exams. The CEA strongly encourages instructors and departments to continue this practice, following the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). While UDL does not eliminate the need for accommodations, it can create a more accessible and inclusive educational experience for all students while also reducing the administrative tasks involved with facilitating accommodations.
CEA Staff welcome opportunities to collaborate with faculty and academic departments in identifying universally designed assessment strategies and department proctoring options.