Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
Generally, no, depending on the test and your state's rules. State and assessment rules can differ. Whether an accommodation or support is permitted during a particular assessment depends on the requirements for that assessment and the applicable state or testing program guidance. Do not assume that an accommodation used routinely in the classroom is automatically permitted on a state or other standardized assessment. Practically: if your child needs extended time or a separate setting, it should already be showing up in daily classroom instruction and assessments well before spring testing.
Tip: Ask for your state’s current assessment accessibility and accommodations manual and check the requirements for the specific assessment the student will take. Also confirm that the accommodation is addressed appropriately in the student’s IEP or 504 plan when required.
The free Accommodation Builder turns what your child struggles with into requests the team can say yes to, with what supports each one.
Open the Accommodation Builder →Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.