Access Arrangements: Extra Time In Exams Offered To Children With Specific Learning Difficulty

Does your child have some difficulties in finishing an exam? Well, worry no more because he or she may be eligible for extra time during exams. If your child has a learning difficulty, he or she can be granted with the so-called "Access Arrangements."

What Are Access Arrangements?

Access arrangements are defined as pre-examination arrangements made on behalf of a candidate with particular needs, as per Cambridge International Examinations. The candidate may have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or other conditions like dyspraxia, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

In access arrangements, eligible candidates are provided with up to 25 percent extra time. They can also use word processor, voice recognition software, a scribe and a change of font for exam papers.

As for children with ADHD, they are also provided with extra breaks including an opportunity to walk around. Aside from added breaks, their medications are also considered.

Access Arrangements Assessments

Eligible candidates or children with specific learning difficulties are usually assessed by a specialized teacher. They are then referred to educational psychologists in cases when a teacher notices specific or unusual tendencies that need further investigation.

Assessments can also be given at a university if a child or candidate has missed out on a diagnosis. According to Huffington Post, assessments at some universities are free while others ask students to pay 50 percent of the assessment cost if arranged through the organization Dyslexia Action.

Parents should also consider that universities may need an updated assessment, especially when the previous one was done several years ago. Assessments can either be through the school and the LEA educational psychologist or in private.

Types of Arrangements

According to the Joint Council for Qualifications, there are three main types of arrangements that parents may apply. These are Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration.

Since access arrangements are already defined above, reasonable adjustments require an Awarding Body to make it. A reasonable adjustment may be unique to the disabled candidate or learner who would be at a major disadvantage in dealing an assessment.

Special consideration, on the other hand, refers to the post examination adjustment to a candidate's mark or grade. It may be caused by a temporary injury or sickness during the exam or assessment.

Available Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are available for candidates with learning difficulties that need supervised rest breaks, extra time, a computer reader or a reader, a word processor, a scribe, a prompter, a practical assistant, colored overlays, colored or enlarged papers or papers with modified language.