E48. Test-Taking Accommodations: What’s Allowed, What Works, and Why It Matters

Test taking accommodations can feel confusing for many special education teachers, especially during testing season. Questions often come up about what is allowed, what is not, and how to make sure students are properly supported during assessments.

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what test taking accommodations actually are and how they should be used to support students with disabilities. She also explains the important difference between accommodations and modifications, and why that distinction matters during benchmark and state testing.

Stephanie covers

• What test taking accommodations are and how they help remove barriers without lowering expectations

• The difference between accommodations and modifications and why modifications are not allowed on benchmark or state assessments

• The benefits of accommodations for access, equity, and more accurate student data

• Five commonly permitted accommodations teachers should understand and begin teaching students to use

• Why accommodations should be practiced throughout the year, not introduced only during testing

This episode helps special education teachers better understand how accommodations support students in demonstrating what they know while still maintaining grade level expectations.

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