Testing and
Accommodations
The world of testing and evaluations can be complex and might feel intimidating. We are here to help guide and inform you through the process. Please bear in mind that a neuropsychological evaluation is required to apply for Grades 2–8. Read on for details on neuro-psychs and other testing.
Testing
Diagnostic testing identifies how learning differences affect students, evaluates the best ways to approach a student’s learning style, and provides recommendations for effective learning programs and, if necessary, testing accommodations.
Students applying to Park Century are required to submit results of a recent neuropsychological evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation and results of the WISC V along with their application materials. Additionally, we will review a student’s IEP, though this is not required for admission. See below for very brief explanations and introductory information about these different evaluations.
Considered the most comprehensive type of assessment, neuropsychological evaluations are completed by neuropsychologists and provide an in-depth assessment of skill and ability linked to brain function. The results of this evaluation can both identify learning differences and provide specific recommendations for meeting a child’s academic needs. This evaluation assesses intellectual functioning, attention and executive functioning, reasoning, language, memory and learning, visual-spatial/visual-motor abilities, and emotional and behavioral functioning through a review of medical and other records, interviews with the child, and the administration of tests. Neuropsychological evaluations are required for children applying to Park Century for grades 2–8.
Conducted by licensed clinical psychologists, psychoeducational evaluations analyze the mental processes underlying student performance through an array of academic assessments, behavioral observations, evaluation of environment through interviews, and review of medical history.
These evaluations aim to determine whether a child qualifies for special education services and accommodations for a specific learning disability. Where psychoeducational evaluations can determine if a student qualifies for special educational services, neuropsychological evaluations aim to determine why there is a specific need in this area.
The WISC V measures a child’s general intellectual ability and is often paired with neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluations as well as other tests to help identify learning disabilities, giftedness, or general strengths and weaknesses. Test components include a Visual Spatial Index, Fluid Reasoning Index, Working Memory Index, Processing Speed Index, and Verbal Comprehension Index.
An Individualized Education Program is a comprehensive written document developed by a team for a public school student who is eligible for special education. For an extensive and detailed resource about IEPs, visit the “Learning About IEPs” section on the Understood website.
Accommodations
Our approach is centered on creating an inclusive educational environment, we accommodate our instruction to the needs, readiness levels, and abilities of all our learners. We aim to eliminate barriers in the learning process by creating flexible classroom environments wherein Information is presented in multiple ways, students engage in learning in various ways, and students demonstrate their learning through an assortment of alternative assessments.
- Small Class Sizes
- Flexible seating and arrangements
- Movement Breaks
- Lighting adjustment
- Consistent Classroom Routines
- School-Wide Executive Function
- Organization System
- Multisensory (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile)
- Incremental and scaffolded delivery
- Repetitive and spiraled
- Explicitly embedded learning strategies and skills
- Project-based
- Adjusted rate of speech
- New learning connected to prior learning
- Assistive Technology options
- Extended time for assignments and assessments
- Color-coded graphic organizers
- White Space on the page
- Easy to read/large font
- Student Checklists
- Examples and non-examples of proficient work
- Note-taking shells
- Rubrics (reviewed before, during, and after assignments, assessments, and projects)
- Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text accessible materials
- Strengthen self-awareness
- Celebrate individual identities and engage strengths, interests, and affinities
- Promote Growth Mindset
- Teach self-advocacy skills
- Identity safe culture
- Practice mindfulness
- Teach self-advocacy
- Practice Empathetic Listening
- Explicit collaboration instruction
- Explicit instruction in perspective-taking
- Explicit instruction in conflict/resolution
- School Planner
- Structured time for materials management
- Digital Gradebook & monitoring
- School-Wide Executive Function
- Organization System
- Explicit Instruction in Task Initiation
- Explicit Instruction in self-monitoring
Accommodations vs. Modifications
You’ve likely heard the terms “accommodation” and “modification.” While they sound similar, they serve different purposes.
Accommodations provide different ways for students to learn information or communicate their knowledge. The changes basically do not alter or lower the standards or expectations for a subject or a test. Modifications are changes in the content or instructional level of subject matter or tests. They result in changing expectations and creating a different standard.
Testing Accommodations Resources
Educational Records Bureau (ERB)
The Educational Records Bureau produces and administers standardized tests that assess student skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Under the ERB umbrella, the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE), administered to students in grades 2-12, is widely used in independent schools nationwide. The ERB will arrange test administration that accommodates students who have documented physical challenges or learning differences.
The College Board
The College Board site provides information for high school-age students, parents, and educators regarding PSAT, NMSQT, SAT, and AP testing. It also offers information about eligibility, documentation, and the types of accommodations available and provides a link for obtaining forms.
