52 Alternative Settings
Definition
Separate space for quiet and distraction-free testing and/or near necessary supports unavailable in the typical assessment setting.
In action
Such settings should be pre-determined and could include a separate room or a set apart area in the classroom for individual or small group testing. Often alternative settings include spaces that are free of typical classroom noise or distraction to increase focus. Sometimes such spaces are nearer to necessary testing supports (e.g., proximity to teacher or scribe, near accessible equipment).
Support Strategies
- Alternative settings should be pre-determined among the educational team including the student and their parents, teacher(s), and school administrators.
- Educational teams should consider students’ needs and available space in determining options and best fit.
- Provide the student the chance to visit and complete some work, if possible, in the alternative settings prior to use for an assessment to gain familiarity.
- When using separate rooms or spaces, ensure appropriate supervision and access to staff support as needed.
- Consider discussing any benefits and drawbacks of using an alternative space for their setting. Any drawbacks can be used to help select a more suitable space and benefits can be used to assess continued usefulness.
- Help student develop self-advocacy for their alternate space-related assessment needs.
Case Study
Student: Grade 8 student that often gets distracted by classroom sights and sounds during tasks requiring reading
Content: End of unit literacy exam with significant comprehension component
Problem: Based on previous experience and the student’s IEP, it is clear that taking the assessment in the classroom would result in student distraction and a poor mark reflecting the student’s difficulty to attend to the task rather than their comprehension skills.
Solution: Based on IEP guidelines and educational team planning, the student takes the assessment in a distraction-free setting away from the regular classroom.
Additional Resources
- Description and suggestions on assessment setting accommodations from the University of Kansas Special Connections
- Info page on setting accommodations including suggestions for and examples of alternative settings from the IRIS Center
- Recommendations for distraction free testing locations from Santa Anna College
