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Post-Secondary Planning Guide
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A Look at Your Post-Secondary Options
 
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Testing . . .

Information for Students with Disabilities
Students with identified physical or learning-disabilities may want to investigate the programs and services which are specifically designed to meet their post-secondary educational needs. Students may want to make use of preparatory programs which help them identify individual learning styles and develop organizational and study skills that maximize their strengths. Within a four-year college there are often special programs for learning-disabled students which provide academic advising, tutorial support, and help in coordinating special services necessary for the student to function in regular classes. These programs also frequently provide non-credit courses which help the student identify his or her learning style and develop appropriate compensatory skills. There is often a separate admissions process to enter an L.D. program. Even in colleges which provide no special programs for learning-disabled students, individuals with learning disabilities may take advantage of tutorial or other support services which are available to all students, and students may request appropriate modifications, such as extended time testing, taping of lectures, etc.

As students explore post-secondary options, they should raise questions in each college setting about the availability of support services, the presence of trained L.D. specialists, and the provision for classroom modification, if necessary. In most instances, students should indicate in the application process the nature of the learning disability services they have received in high school, and the nature of accommodations that will be necessary in college, if any. If the school has a special learning support program, the student should also be in contact with the director of that program during the admissions process. Colleges which have a program for learning-disabled students frequently require professional assessments which document and identify the specific learning disability of the student who is applying.

Students should seek help from their guidance counselor or resource teacher about specific programs and application procedures.
 
Guidelines for Special Administration of PSAT, SAT, ACT for Students with Disabilities
Students may be eligible for untimed or extended-time SATs, PSATs, and ACTs based on documented special learning needs. Typically, these needs would be described in an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). They may also be founded on signed documents obtained from any of the following: physician, psychologist, child-study team, or learning disabilities specialist. The documents must adhere to the guidelines established by The College Board Testing Program or ACT Testing Program as described in their brochures. Students must receive the same accommodations in school as they are requesting of The College Board or ACT. There are opportunities for both extended time and untimed tests.

If you have a documented disability, you may take an SAT program test with accommodations appropriate to your disability which is called a non-standard administration. To receive testing accommodations you must meet the eligibility criteria explained in the publication SAT Services for Students with Disabilities: Information for Students and Educators. You can pick up this publication from Mrs. Maria Nardone, room 309 Science building. Extended time is also available from ACT.
Each year the Guidance Department publicizes the schedule of testing for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT Tests.

Students applying for extended time PSATs must indicate so on the registration when signing up. The Testing Coordinator will then arrange for extended time to be given on the day of the testing.

Questions regarding special testing arrangements and dates for in-school testing can be directed to Mrs. Maria Nardone, 781-861-2320, ext. 3092.
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