Implementation Considerations
The ACT® with writing is administered in English, reading, writing, mathematics, and science in grade 11. Accommodations and supports are practices and procedures that provide equitable access to grade-level content. They are intended to reduce or eliminate the effects of a student’s disability or level of language acquisition; they do not reduce learning expectations. The accommodations or supports provided to a student should be consistent for classroom instruction, classroom assessments, and district and state assessments. It is important to note that while some accommodations or supports may be appropriate for instructional use, they may not be appropriate for use on a standardized assessment. 34 CFR § 300.320(a)(6)(i); Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(e).
Disability-related documentation must be submitted for accommodations on the ACT with writing.
Form Content and Explanations
Content: Section A: Universal Supports. Explanation: The ACT with writing has Universal Supports available to all students. Universal Supports do not require prior submission to ACT. Refer to the ACT Accessibility Supports Guide for a list of Universal Supports. Universal Supports should be documented in the student’s IEP when a student requires the support even though it is available to all students. 34 CFR § 300.320(a)(6)(i); Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(e). This will help to ensure the student receives the support in the frequency and amount needed by the individual student. List all Universal Supports required for the student at the time of testing.
Content: Section B: Designated Supports. Explanation: Designated Supports do not require prior submission to ACT. Designated Supports are available to any student based upon need and are outlined in the ACT Accessibility Supports Guide. List all Designated Supports required for the student at the time of testing.
Content: Section C: Accommodations. Explanation: The IEP team must consider each of the ACT subtests and check whether each subtest will be taken without or with accommodations. For each subtest, list the accommodation(s) required for the student at the time of testing. Refer to the ACT Accessibility Supports Guide for more information on accommodations. Use of unauthorized accommodations on the ACT with writing will result in a misadministration, invalidating the student’s score.
In order to submit requests for ACT accommodations, LEAs must submit a complete and current IEP directly to ACT. Failure to request ACT accommodations for students with disabilities may raise concerns related to disability-based discrimination. For more information on how to submit accommodations requests to ACT, refer to the ACT Accessibility Supports Guide.