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When you distribute a test you probably give directions
to all students before they begin to work on the test. Then during the test
period you may answer an occasional student question about the test. In
this situation you may have questions about how best to use an interpreter
or captionist during a test.
Or deaf and hard-of-hearing students may ask that
significant accommodations be made. For example they may ask for extended
time to complete the test, for someone to edit the test to simplify the
English level, to have an interpreter sign the test and then voice the responses,
to use a computer for word processing on an essay test, or to work in an
environment that is distraction-free.
Testing accommodation is a gray area – with
valid arguments of fairness and accommodation made by you and by your students.
You may feel the need to treat all students fairly, and deaf and hard-of-hearing
students may feel the need for accommodations because of the effect of deafness
on their language skills. As you make your decision, we have only limited
advice, and suggest that you keep in mind whether you are testing content
area, English skill, or both.
Some students may need special accommodations
during a test. If possible discuss the situation privately with the student
well before the test, using the services of an interpreter or captionist
if available.
Be certain to determine what your campus policies
are in this area; refer to campus experts on student accommodations.
Determine whether the student has official written
support for his/her request. (At some universities an official document
lists accommodations required for an individual student to exhibit his/her
best knowledge of the material.)
If there are questions about interpreting or
captioning services during a test, work with the students and the interpreter
or captionist before the class to resolve the issues.
Perhaps deaf and hard-of-hearing students ask
questions at the same rate as hearing students during tests; your policy
has been to interrupt all students and answer all questions to the entire
class. If you feel that this policy is fair to everyone, but disrupts
everyone, one strategy is to prohibit all student questions during the
test. Place directions on the test paper, and then do not answer any questions
during the test.
Explain this policy in advance when you announce
the test so that students understand that you are doing it to eliminate
disruption and ensure fairness. The first time this strategy is used,
students will test the policy and some will become upset; but hold your
ground and students will adjust to the policy.
You may wish to suggest beforehand that if students
have a problem with a particular question on the test that instead of
asking about it they should communicate their concern by writing it directly
on the test paper before submitting the test.
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