Surveying College Students with Disabilities about their Perceptions of Test Accomodations
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
9-4-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
9-4-2012 2:30 PM
Student's Major
Psychology
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Carlos Panahon
Mentor's Department
Psychology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
Test accommodations are commonly defined as a change in testing materials or procedures that enables students with disabilities to participate in assessments in ways that reflect their skills and abilities. The purpose of test accommodations is to change the way the test is administered to correct the disadvantage for a higher score caused by a disability. Accommodations are commonly utilized by college students who have a documented disability. However, little research has focused on the perceptions of college students regarding test accommodations. Sanz (2011) reported college students perceived test accommodations to be somewhat unfair.
Unfortunately, very few students with disabilities participated in the previous study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to learn more about college students with disabilities and their perceptions of test accommodations. Students eligible to receive test accommodations through the Office of Disability Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato were recruited. Participants completed an online survey asking questions about their perceptions of test accommodations for various types of assessments. Results of this study will be compared with the results from Sanz (2011). Similarities and differences between the two studies will be discussed. Findings will provide a better understanding of the perceptions of students with disabilities regarding test accommodations. Modifications can be made to preexisting accommodations to provide an increased benefit for students with disabilities.
Surveying College Students with Disabilities about their Perceptions of Test Accomodations
CSU Ballroom
Test accommodations are commonly defined as a change in testing materials or procedures that enables students with disabilities to participate in assessments in ways that reflect their skills and abilities. The purpose of test accommodations is to change the way the test is administered to correct the disadvantage for a higher score caused by a disability. Accommodations are commonly utilized by college students who have a documented disability. However, little research has focused on the perceptions of college students regarding test accommodations. Sanz (2011) reported college students perceived test accommodations to be somewhat unfair.
Unfortunately, very few students with disabilities participated in the previous study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to learn more about college students with disabilities and their perceptions of test accommodations. Students eligible to receive test accommodations through the Office of Disability Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato were recruited. Participants completed an online survey asking questions about their perceptions of test accommodations for various types of assessments. Results of this study will be compared with the results from Sanz (2011). Similarities and differences between the two studies will be discussed. Findings will provide a better understanding of the perceptions of students with disabilities regarding test accommodations. Modifications can be made to preexisting accommodations to provide an increased benefit for students with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Melissa and Grace Cimino. "Surveying College Students with Disabilities about their Perceptions of Test Accomodations." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 9, 2012.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2012/poster-session-B/37