I was wondering if anyone had testing modifications written into their IEPs. Laurie has a diagnosed Anxiety Disorder (and possibly ADHD) and has been really bad at taking tests (which I find totally maddening since she's really bright). It's not really much of an issue now since they don't do "grades" until 3rd grade. I was just wondering what modifications might be helpful for her that I could ask for. (like taking the test outside of the class without distractions?)

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Ecki



MomMom of Kayla (Ds/Autism 4/5/04) and Laurie (PDD-NOS 7/12/01)

Our Blog - Opposite Kids
Kayla's Story http://www.ecki.com/kayla/

Are these the state (standardized) tests you are talking about or the daily tests for the various subjects in school? What kind of modifications does she need? Time? How the questions are presented? Take them by herself (no distractions)?

Also.. keep in mind that if you want her to take the standardized tests the way they are, then you have to be careful in the IEP what you want modified. And if you want the standardized tests modified then it puts her down a different path then a child with an IEP that doesn't have modifications for standardized tests. It sets a precident for what kind of "diploma" our children get also I do believe. So, if you are going to modify standarized state tests, ask your team how this will affect years to come.

It's another reason they took the "benchmarks" out of IEP's. You can STILL have benchmarks in your IEP but if you do, you get the modified standardized test instead of the regular one.. and that sets the precedent of what is expected.

Russell's IEP has benchmarks and we JUST talked about this at our one IEP meeting before we moved last year. Since Russell was going from 2nd grade and into 3rd grade (the year they do the state tests) and had benchmarks, he NOW can ONLY do our MAP-A which is the modified test.

So.. I might have offered more info then you wanted LOL Sorry! but I was just giving you things to think about.

If it's just regular everyday stuff that needs to be modified.. there are plenty of things that can be done actually!

A.

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2007 St. Louis Buddy Walk Regan 14 (and a half), Russell 9 (and a half) DS, Autism, Visually Impaired, Reece 7.

Wow, OK, that's really complicated. I have no idea what exactly we're going to do. Probably just regular class tests for now?

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Ecki



MomMom of Kayla (Ds/Autism 4/5/04) and Laurie (PDD-NOS 7/12/01)

Our Blog - Opposite Kids
Kayla's Story http://www.ecki.com/kayla/

LOL sorry.. I knew I offered way to much info.. I was on a roll after the other thread Lisa posted about IEP stuff heehee

With everyday tests... what do you think she needs for modifications? I'd ask the teacher how you (meaning you and teacher) can help modify the tests to help your daughter.

A.

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2007 St. Louis Buddy Walk Regan 14 (and a half), Russell 9 (and a half) DS, Autism, Visually Impaired, Reece 7.

I think it is a great idea to have in the IEP with specific interventions you know will help her take her tests with less distraction. Do you have any modifications that work for your daughter.

My son Evan is in the second grade and is going next week to a neuropsychologist to be worked up. I am suspecting an auditory and possible visual processing disorder. He is in a private school so he doesn't have and IEP but his teacher has been very accommodating to Evan. She plays modulated Music for him at 60beats per minute by Gary Lamb and this in itself has helped him to filter out all the distracting noises and focus and concentrate. She also places him in the classroom in an area with less visual and auditory distractions and she purposely keeps him focused. So far this year he has done amazingly well with above average grades in all subjects...All A-A+ on all his exams. His biggest challenge is reading fluency.

My daughter Olivia is in first grade and is struggling with grasping math...she can do it orally but just can't get it down on paper. Her teacher mentioning giving Olivia an Oral exam with the timed tests so she can keep up with her peers and decrease her frustration till she is able to do this written. Her teachers are modifying and I don't have to do anything, but this is a private school and they have small class sizes and are able to give that one on one attention.

I am fearful of public school for Nate because he will never see these small individualized classrooms. I think your relationship with your daughters teachers and communication is very important. I know by third grade they want the parent pretty much hands off in assisting school work but I would follow your gut and remain a big part of her education because it sounds like she is so much more capable and you as a parent may have to come up with ways to modify her tests or testing environment so your daughter can find success and demonstrate her ability. Good luck!

Try this resource and see if they have something to help you. http://www.LDonline.org

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Sherry
Evan(6), OlIvia(5), and Nathan(9/7/04*)