Navigating Accommodations for the SAT Exam

The transition to college involves many steps, and college entrance exams like the SAT play a crucial role. For students with learning and thinking differences, accommodations can level the playing field. This article provides a comprehensive guide to SAT accommodations, covering eligibility, application processes, and available options.

Understanding the Landscape of College Entrance Exams

Before diving into accommodations, it's essential to understand the broader context of college entrance exams. Many universities accept both SAT and ACT scores, and some are now test-optional. The SAT and ACT differ in structure and pacing, with the ACT presenting more questions in the same time frame. Students should explore sections of both tests to determine their preferred format.

Eligibility for SAT Accommodations

The SAT offers accommodations for eligible students with documented disabilities, including blindness, motor impairments, medical conditions, and learning disorders. Functional limitations affecting reading, writing, or the ability to remain seated for extended periods can also qualify a student for accommodations.

To utilize accommodations, students must submit a request to the College Board, ideally seven weeks before their planned registration date. The College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinates the accommodation process.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for SAT accommodations involves a detailed process, whether you choose to work with your child's high school or submit the request independently.

Applying Through Your Child's High School

Contact the appropriate school staff: Connect with your child's special education case manager, guidance counselor, 504 coordinator, or the school's SSD coordinator. Inform them of your child's desired test date.
Sign the Parent Consent Form: Provide the signed form to the designated staff member.
Ensure Adequate Documentation: Verify that the school has comprehensive documentation of your child's learning and thinking differences, explaining how these differences impact their test-taking abilities. Provide any missing information.
The school submits the application: The designated staff member will submit your child’s disability documentation along with the application.

Applying Independently

Print and Fill Out the Student Eligibility Form: Obtain the form from the College Board website.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documentation and complete the application.
Submit the Application: Send the completed application and documentation to the College Board.

Post-Application: Receiving Approval

Upon approval, you'll receive an SSD number. Use this number when registering for the SAT online to ensure your child receives their approved accommodations. Early registration is recommended, as some testing sites may have limited seats for students with accommodations.

Types of SAT Accommodations

The SAT offers a range of accommodations tailored to individual needs. These accommodations are not modifications, meaning the test content remains the same, but the format or timing is adjusted.

Current SAT accommodations include:

Extended Time: This provides additional time to complete each section of the test. Students approved for up to time and one-half and double time will test in one day in a test center. Students approved for this accommodation will receive a test that allows them to pause their test to take breaks as needed. The pause feature appears below the timer. Students no longer need to use all of their approved extended time.
Extra and Extended Breaks: Allows for additional break time beyond the standard breaks. Students approved for breaks as needed will test in one day in a test center. Students approved for this accommodation will receive a test with extra breaks.
Reading Accommodations: Options like a reader or pre-recorded audio assist with reading comprehension. For digital tests, students approved for human reader for AP paper exams are approved for Text-to-Speech (Embedded) and/or Screen Reader (Non-Embedded) for digital tests and will test digitally.
Use of a Four-Function Calculator: Permitted for math sections. Calculators are permitted for all test sections on SAT and PSAT assessments.
Multiple-Day Testing: Allows students to complete the test over multiple days.
Small Group Setting: Provides a quieter and less distracting testing environment.
Braille Paper Testing: For students with visual impairments, the test is available in Braille. Students approved for Braille Paper Testing - UEB with Nemeth Code will test with paper. Students approved for Braille Paper Testing - UEB with Technical Math will test with paper.
Text-to-Speech (Embedded): For digital tests, this tool reads all text and provides short descriptions of graphics. Students approved for Text-to-Speech (Embedded) will use Bluebook's built-in text-to-speech tool.
Screen Reader (Non-Embedded): For digital tests, students can use screen reader functionality available through their device's operating system or their own screen reader software. Students approved for a Screen Reader (Non-Embedded) for digital tests will test using the screen reader functionality available through their device's operating system or their own screen reader software.
Writer/Scribe or Dictation: For digital tests, students who use a writer/scribe for paper tests will be approved for writer/scribe or dictation for digital tests.
Assistive Technology Software: Students will be able to take a digital test using approved assistive technology software.
FM System: Students can use their FM system.
Other Accommodations: The College Board accepts approvals for other accommodations based on an individual’s personal needs. Examples include permission for small-group testing, for food/drink/medication, and to test blood sugar.

Digital SAT Accommodations

The digital SAT introduces new ways of administering accommodations. It’s crucial to understand how accommodations are implemented in the digital format.

Key Considerations for Digital SAT Accommodations:

Accommodations cannot be added, changed, or waived on test day. All accommodations must be approved by SSD.
Some accommodations are administered differently on digital tests. For example, a human reader for paper tests may translate to a screen reader for the digital SAT.
Some accommodations may not be necessary for the digital test.
Extended time is built into the digital test. Students receive their approved amount of extended time within the digital test and will also receive extra breaks.
Text-to-Speech (Embedded): This tool is built into the Bluebook application, reading all text and providing short descriptions of graphics.
Screen Reader (Non-Embedded): Students can use screen reader functionality available through their device's operating system.
Assistive Technology: Students can use approved assistive technology software.

Understanding ACT Accommodations

While this article focuses on SAT accommodations, it's helpful to understand how they differ from ACT accommodations. The ACT also provides accommodations, but the application process and specific offerings vary.

Key Differences in ACT Accommodations:

Application Process: ACT requires working with a school official who is part of the IEP team.
Timing of Application: Students must first register for a specific test date before beginning the accommodation approval process.
Types of Accommodations: The formatting for accommodations varies and is divided into National and Special testing. National testing centers can accommodate students who have been granted 50% additional time and some other visual and auditory needs, whereas other accommodations will require special testing dates and/or centers than those offered to the general public.

Extended Time: A Closer Look

Extended timing is a commonly requested accommodation. While it can be beneficial, it's essential to consider its potential drawbacks.

Benefits of Extended Time:

Allows students more time to process questions and formulate answers.
Can reduce anxiety and improve performance for students with certain disabilities.

Potential Drawbacks of Extended Time:

Can lead to fatigue and decreased attention span due to the extended testing period.
May not be beneficial for students who struggle with test-taking strategies or content knowledge.

Important Considerations

Accommodations are not indicated on score reports: Since 2003, the SAT and ACT have stopped noting whether or not a test taker received accommodations.
Start the application process early: The review process can take up to seven weeks.
Review your child's IEP or 504 plan: Determine if additional accommodations are needed beyond those already in place.
Consider practice and preparation: Regardless of accommodations, practice and preparation are crucial for success on the SAT.
Families should check with the school's SSD coordinator to make sure accommodations are in place and no further documentation is required-especially if the student was approved at another school or the family did not go through the school to request accommodations.

Conclusion

Navigating the SAT accommodation process can seem daunting, but understanding the available options and application procedures is essential for ensuring a fair testing experience for students with disabilities. By starting early, gathering necessary documentation, and working closely with school officials, families can advocate for their children's needs and help them achieve their full potential on the SAT.

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