ACT, SAT, AP, NMSQT, and ERB (CTP4)
Accommodations provided at Albuquerque Academy are not necessarily the same accommodations that may be offered by testing organizations. The determination of whether or not a student will be offered standardized test accommodation and the type of accommodation is solely up to the testing organizations. The 10-12 Learning Specialist will work with parents and students to ensure that all needed documentation is submitted to College Board, ACT, and ERB as outlined by those organizations and in the required time frame. It is imperative that parents familiarize themselves with the timeline for submission of documentation. Both testing organizations require a minimum of seven weeks to review accommodation applications. If accommodations are denied the appeal process may take an additional seven weeks. Parents are directed to the following web sites for detailed accommodation information: www.collegeboard.org/ssd and www.actstudent.org.
Practice Standardized Tests
Albuquerque Academy College Guidance and the Learning Support Program recommend that no accommodations be provided on practice standardized tests (currently the PSSS and PLAN), except for the rare instance when the student’s disability significantly impacts their ability to take tests or negatively affects the ability of others to take the test. Practice test scores are only utilized by the student and the school and can provide information about how the student handles the testing format.
Practice Standardized Tests
Albuquerque Academy College Guidance and the Learning Support Program recommend that no accommodations be provided on practice standardized tests (currently the PSSS and PLAN), except for the rare instance when the student’s disability significantly impacts their ability to take tests or negatively affects the ability of others to take the test. Practice test scores are only utilized by the student and the school and can provide information about how the student handles the testing format.
The Process
When an Academy student has a documented disability and specific test taking accommodations suggested by their neuropsychological or educational diagnostic evaluation, the Academy is able to apply for certain accommodations during standardized tests. These tests include PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT and AP Exams. Please be aware that the testing organizations, not the Albuquerque Academy, makes the final determination for test accommodation eligibility. The application steps are listed below.
STEP 1: Complete the appropriate consent form(s) below and return to the learning specialist.
- PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and AP exams: Fill out the CollegeBoard Consent Form for Accommodations Request.
- ACT: Fill out the Consent to Release Information to ACT.
STEP 2: The learning specialist will complete a file review to make sure that all documentation meets criteria for application. Please be aware that specific guidelines vary by disability. Some criteria examples are cited below.
- Prior to request submission, CollegeBoard requires that all educational and/or neuropsychological testing for learning disabilities and ADHD be conducted within the last five years. Testing for visual disabilities must be conducted within two years of the request, while testing for other medical or psychiatric conditions must be completed within one year. For specific documentation guidelines, please refer to the CollegeBoard Documentation Guidelines.
- Prior to request submission, ACT requires that all educational and/or neuropsychological testing for learning disabilities and ADHD be conducted within the last three years. Testing for visual impairments and psychiatric disorders must be completed within one year of the request. For specific documentation guidelines, please refer to the ACT Documentation Guidelines.
STEP 3: Once all criteria are met, the learning specialist will submit the accommodation request.
- CollegeBoard accommodation applications will be completed immediately following an accepted file review. The decision from CollegeBoard to offer accommodations takes, on average, seven weeks. Any approved accommodations are valid for one year after the student graduates from high school. Click here for more information.
- ACT accommodation requests can only be submitted once the student has registered for a test date online. The student needs to email the testing information to the 10-12 learning specialist so an application can be completed. The decision from ACT to offer accommodations takes, on average, 10-14 days. Any approved accommodations are valid for one year after the student graduates from high school. Click here for more information.