We celebrate parents who can find ways for their teens to be successful. For parents of teens with learning challenges or disabilities, this can require creativity! These parents share how they were able to create opportunities for success and earn lots of college credit in high school!
Tamara writes, “In college, we’ve found great support from the Office Of Disability Services. Our homeschooled son receives 1.5 time on quizzes/exams. To qualify for accommodations as a home school student, we simply had to be 1) accepted at the school 2) have a written evaluation from a professional (psychologist)- ours was 5+ years old 3) answer questions about the disability and need for accommodations 4) student interviews with the office. The process was just like any other student receiving accommodations.
Angela writes, “What a blessing HS4CC has been for us❤️ My daughter always knew she wanted to attend college but with her severe learning issues was scared she didn’t have what it took to succeed. With your guidance we jumped in and took one class. I worked with her to study, guide and help show her how to manage a class. Now 26 credits later she has been accepted and will be attending college in the fall with full confidence that she can and will do well.”
Shelley writes, “My teen has dyslexia but never formally diagnosed. I was really worried that she wouldn’t get accommodations (for CLEP) without one. However, all that is required is an original letter from a doctor describing issues and requesting accommodations. For us, the doctor said test anxiety and visual processing issues. My daughter is able to get double time on most exams and triple time on math. I just thought I’d share, in case there are other parents in your groups that are stressed over it.”
Carrol sent me her tips for successfully navigating Homeschooling for College Credit with her daughter. Wow, what a great list!!
- The easiest thing to get is time and a half. Anything more is tricky.
- My eldest got double time for the writing portion of the act and for composition clep. I had to call around to find a venue that would accommodate this need. I found one at a small prestigious secondary private school. As homeschoolers, the venues don’t have to accommodate. If they are in school at the venue they tend to be more accommodating.
- It is also easy to get preferred seating. They tended to tolerate a grounding item like a chewy or a sensory toy that is small and quiet.
- For vision processing, a ruler was provided by them to line up bubbles to the correct number. They did not want us to bring our own flag edge in case it was cheating.
- Breaks are something we never endeavored with. That is tricky also. I know they accommodate diabetes so they have to allow breaks
- The proof is key and laying out a well outlined and well-explained case is imperative. Drs often ask me to write the letter and they sign. The wording is tricky and needs to be done to clearly justify the accommodations especially now that many have been caught inappropriately using accommodations to better scores.
- A neuropsychologist evaluation is extremely helpful and possibly required depending on who reviews the file. Getting this early is very important.
- A new act rule is that ADHD has to be diagnosed before the age of 12. I assume this is to prevent bogus claims.
- Submit requests far in advance and don’t be afraid to appeal. They likely don’t have enough explanation or proof.
Resources
Admissions Exams: ACCUPLACER, PSAT & SAT
- ACCUPLACER Testing Accommodations
ACCUPLACER accommodations are available but are not approved by the College Board. Contact the test center at your college or other institution for more information.
- PSAT 8/9 Testing Accommodations
PSAT 8/9 accommodations are approved by schools. Families should contact their school to learn more.
- Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
College Board’s Eligibility Page
Some students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations on College Board exams. Students cannot take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams with accommodations unless their request for accommodations has been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
College Board Accommodations Requests
Who is eligible for College Board testing accommodations?
In general, students approved by the College Board for testing accommodations meet the following criteria:
- They have a documented disability.
- Their participation in College Board exams is impacted by the disability.
- The specific accommodations requested are needed.
- With few exceptions, they receive accommodations on school tests.
Get the details on eligibility.
Accommodations are arranged between you and your testing center
If your accommodation requires something NOT on this list, do not register- contact CLEP (below) for more information.
If you have a learning or physical disability that would prevent you from taking a CLEP exam under standard conditions, you may request accommodations at your preferred test center. Contact your preferred test center well in advance of the test date to make the necessary arrangements and to find out its deadline for submission of documentation for approval of accommodations. Accommodations that can be arranged directly with test centers include:
- ZoomText (screen magnification)
- Modifiable screen colors
- Use of a reader, an amanuensis, or a sign language interpreter
- Extended time
- Untimed rest breaks
If the above accommodations do not meet your needs, contact CLEP Services (or at 800-257-9558) for information about other nonstandard options before you register through My Account.
