Should children with ADD get extra time on test.

jym626
Sun, 17 Jul 2005 19:09:46 +0000

This topic has been discussed frequently. Rather than repeat the details, please take a look at http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=16676 and http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=59840&page=1&pp=40 for some discussions on this topic.
The issue of testing modifications (of which extended time is but one) and the documentation needed to qualify for one or more modifications is far more complex than suggested here. Modifications, when testing documents the need, and the student has had these modifications in place and used them in their home school as part of their academic placement, merely levels the playing field. Sort of like allowing a person with “visual disability” to wear glasses to see.

As for this statement

ADD is a mental DISability, meaning it makes people LESS MENTALLY ABLE than regular people, and therefore on a test designed to measure people’s mental ability this lack of ability should be reflected

, it shows that much needs to be done to educate people about the nature of learning differences. This is sad.