[nabs-l] FW: testing accomidation question

[JMassay]

Please post to list for Jim Reed. Thanks,

Jeannie 

 

  _____  

From: Jim Reed [mailto:jim275_2 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 7:51 PM
To: jmassay1 at cox.net
Subject: testing accomidation question

 


Jeannie, 

I need to ask the NABS list an importiant question, but I am no longer on
it. thus I can't post to the list. Are you on the NABS list? If so, could
you post the following question for me? As I am not on the list, please have
people reply directly back to me at jim275_2 at yahoo.com. 

Thanks, 
Jim

Let me preface the following question by saying that I assume the reason my
DSS office gives me extra time (time and a half) to take a test is because
some blind people take longer to read and write than their blind or sighted
counterparts. 

That said, I had several take home final exams last semester that were all
given and due at roughly the same time, so I asked DSS for extra time, and I
was denied. It says on mu DSS card that I am approved for extra time for
taking test, yet the DSS office said that extra time does not apply to take
home exams. Isn't a take home exam still a test?

Anyhow, moving on...

In January, 2010, I will have to take a comprehensive final exam covering
all of my graduate classes. The way the exam works is that I will be given
the exam questions one week prior to the exam date,  then, I have that one
week to prepaire an outline of my response, and then, I  take the test. This
is not quite the same thing as a take home exam because what you turn in as
your exam is acctually written at the testing location, not at home.  I
don't believe there is a time limit for this exam, but if there is, I know I
will get extra time.

I am worried about the week I will have to prepair my answers for the exam;
I don't know that I will be physically able to review as much as I will need
to, or to work as many hours as I will need to without my eyes giving out.
With the exception of this semester's textbooks, all of my review materials
(textbooks, exams, notes, handouts, etc.) will be in print format; that's a
lot of readiing for eyes that like to get tired. During last semester's
final exam week, I was often forced to stop working sooner than I intended
to because I became unable to read or see the computer, regardless of the
magnification I used.

As I already mentioned, DSS denied my last request for extra time on a take
home exam, so, I expect that they will do the same for my comprehensive
exam.  I fear I will need the extra time to prepair, and not be able to get
it. How can I make sure I get the extra time I need? 

As I am no longer subscribed to the NABS list, please email responses
directlly to me at jim275_2 at yahoo.com.

Thanks, 
Jim Reed

"A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life
depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert
myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still
receiving." - Albert Einstein