Identifying Appropriate Test Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities

This article provides an overview of identification of appropriate testing accommodations for students with learning disabilities (LD). First it defines the concept of testing accommodations and review research on test accommodations commonly used with students with LD. Next it examines the validity and fairness in accommodations, as well as the role of the Individualized Education Program team in testing accommodation decision making. The issue of heterogeneity in LD and individualization of accommodations is discussed with particular focus on issues related to identification of appropriate accommodations, along with a description of an objective and empirically sound system for identifying accommodations. Finally, it considers implications for research on accommodations, as well as practical selection and use of accommodations in educational outcomes assessment. (Contains 1 table.)