Standardized testing and kids with learning disabilities

[sharon]

Anyone have experiences with modifications or opting out of testing for kids with learning disabilities? Ian's facing this for the first time this year (he's in 3rd grade) and we are deciding what to do.

My immediate reaction is that just opting out appeals to me, since I feel there's too much testing anyway, and too much relying on the results of these bubble tests. I don't see any plus side in doing them, but curious what he does with all those hours if we do opt out later. Now, at his small private school with multi age classes there will be no problem, but in a big public school (Where he likely would be for middle school) where everyone is testing I wonder what he does with the time. If he's allowed to sit somewhere and read that's good. If they give him extra busy work, not so good, although still maybe better than the test.

Anyway, anyone deal with this?

[nevaehsmom327]

DD does not have learning disabilities, but she has taken the tests and I don't feel they accurately show a child's learning level. At all. I'd opt out if you can. It's really not worth the time and effort. I agree though, some extra work to do is better than the pointless test he'll be taking.

[sharon]

My understanding is that any parent can choose to opt out Amy. I'll check with Tina but I think that's what she said. That appeals to me bc it might be the only way to get less testing.

[sharon]

Yes, Amy, Tina said any parent can opt out. Just write a letter to your school saying you choose for her to not participate in testing.

[onlyoneboy]

DS1 has multiple disablilites including ADHD/Asperger's/a learning disability and a couple other non-school issues. We have him test but, he does shorter stints with more breaks and wears noise canceling headphones. He does have a high IQ so I need be sure he is learning what he needs to learn so that is why we have him test.