You may notice some students on campus taking tests and quizzes outside of the classroom. This is because Jesuit knows that all students learn differently. And some may need accommodations for different testing environments.
The testing policy for students falls under the teacher’s discretion within classes, meaning that teachers are responsible for managing their tests around the 50-minute class periods. Teachers must ensure students succeed with their test during this time frame.
However, a testing policy outside of Jesuit authorizes students in need of a different testing environment. This allows students who request an extension on their testing to opt to qualify for an organization or time policy outside of Jesuit.
Mr. Powers, Vice Principal of Academics, has worked with students on their policies. He explains students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, can have 1.5x the amount of the regular testing time to complete their tests under the outside program.
“So if a student has a learning difference that qualifies for that, the teacher abides by that accommodation,” Powers said.
Students who wish to apply take an assessment monitored by a professional who then determines if they are qualified to have edited testing plans.
Ms. O’Mahony, the Director of the CLARC, directs students and families to the Jesuit website under academic resources for CLARC, which helps guide families to find the best suited arrangement for their child.
While the system can be laborious with extensive testing for the student to determine their accommodation, a student needs documentation of their diagnosis from their doctor to qualify for an accommodation.
Once in hand, an accommodation will be recommended for the student.
After a student is fully registered under a testing accommodation teachers must be flexible with the student. Sometimes that flexibility includes taking the test outside of class.
“Some students tend to choose an alternative location, which is the CLARC testing suite,” O’Mahony said.
Administration requires students with obligations outside of school to prioritize the testing process.
Powers explained that student athletes have to make testing their first concern over extracurricular activities.
Powers also highlighted that students are not allowed to drag their testing time throughout multiple days. The test has to be taken in 48 hours.
When a student applies for an accommodation they also qualify under College Board, which impacts PSATs, SATs, and AP exams. The ACT requires a separate application, which Mrs. O’Mahony guides families and students to those arrangements.
Corrections:
The CLARC (an acronym for Clark library and academic resource center) was identified as the Clark in an earlier draft of this article. Additionally, Ms. O’Mahony is the Director of the CLARK, not the Clark Library. The Jesuit Chronicle regrets these errors.
