Exam and Test Accommodations

Exam and Test Accommodations

South Africa follows an inclusive education approach to school and learning. Inclusive education forms the core of what education is, as diversity is a part of us. It is imperative for important role players (teachers, parents, community, educational psychologists, and policy makers) to understand it is normal to have a diverse group of children in a classroom, at home or in their community. In terms of inclusion within the school setting, the focus should be on creating a learning environment that accommodates the diverse learning needs of all learners (Swart & Pettipher, 2016). Therefore, the Western Cape Education Department and the IEB have acknowledged that there are learners who may benefit from specific test and exam accommodations in order for their true potential to be seen. Following an examination accommodation assessment, the following can be applied for (amongst others):

*Extra time
*A scribe
*A Reader
*Spelling concessions
*Allocation of Separate Venue to write and complete examinations
*Movement breaks

All assessments completed include an intake interview prior to the assessment day. The focus of this is to build rapport, gain important and relevant collateral information which may help guide the assessment process and alleviate any anxiety. The feedback session is geared towards a collaborative discussion with parents and adolescent. A comprehensive report accompanies the whole assessment process. The school applies to the relevant educational body for the test/exam accommodations.