How do you define extra time

[AmyWi]

I am having an IEP meeting next week to define what extra or extended time means for my high schooler who has dyslexia, adhd, and long term concussion symptoms. It has been open ended until now for both tests and assignments. College board gives her time 1/2. It has been proposed 2 extra days for assignments. We are running into teachers being gone and the each teacher interrupting differently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Lisa Lightner]

First—great job pushing to get this clarified in the IEP. Vague accommodations are basically useless when every teacher gets to “interpret” them differently.

A few tips to consider:

• Define It in Plain Language
  Example: “Student will receive two additional school days, not calendar days, beyond the original due date for all assignments, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing.”

• Add Clarification for When Teachers Are Absent
  Example: “If the teacher is absent on the original or extended due date, the due date will automatically extend by the number of days the teacher is unavailable.”

• Include a Communication Expectation
  Example: “Teachers will communicate any adjusted due dates in writing (email or learning management system) so the student and parent have clear documentation.”

• Specify for Tests and Quizzes
  Example: “Student will receive time and a half for all in-class tests and quizzes, consistent with College Board-approved accommodations.”

• Request Staff Training or Clarification
  Ask that teachers be given written instructions from the case manager or IEP team about how this is supposed to work across all classes.

You’re definitely on the right track. Tightening up the language now will save you a ton of headaches later.

[JSD24]

I'm all for specifying this in the IEP/504.  My child had 2X time for tests and my other child was given 2 extra days to hand in assignments & get full credit.  (The teachers tended to give full credit no matter when things got handed in.)  My child who needed extra time for assignments didn't need extra time for tests.

IMO, you should ask your child what they feel they need.  This way it's individualized for their situation.  My kids have ADHD and this is what worked for them.  What your child needs could be different since they are dealing with a different mix of challenges.

[AmyWi]

My daughter is a sophomore and did not have any issues last year with undefined time on tests and assignments. She rarely need extra time as long as she had access to read aloud and small group testing even in AP Human Geo. This year has been a different story since her concussion requiring her to miss a lot of school and amplifying her noise sensitivity. Simple tasks take longer especially if reading is involved or there are graphs. I need suggestions to prepare her for her best junior year possible. She needs a quiet environment, read aloud, and extra time testing and assignments due to her dyslexia, adhd, and concussion. Any other suggestions are appreciated. She needs extra time for assignments and tests especially when everything is due at once

Edited May 15 by AmyWi