Solution: Untimed tests for all students
Reader comment on: Student Backlash Brews Against Untimed Tests

Submitted by Linda Neal, Aug 16, 2007 14:48

As a dyslexia therapist in a public school and the parent of three children with ADHD and Dyslexia, one also being gifted, I understand and agree with the need for accommodations especially time. In the article "Student Backlash Brews Against Untimed Tests", the comment from the Miss Paxton," If they can compete at that level, they shouldn't need extra time." exemplifies the lack of knowledge concerning learning disabilities. It's the attitude. If it isn't a problem for me why should it be a problem for anyone else? Intelligence is not based on the speed in which a task is done just the same as intelligence is not based on who spells the fastest or writes the multiplication tables the fastest. Intelligence is based on how we use and apply the skills needed for various academic tasks. (reading, writing, spelling, computation) In my opinion having untimed tests for every student would solve this problem. Those students that finish in two hours verses those who finish in four hours are allowed to do the same work at their own individual pace. We all have our own timing for everything we do. Why do some women take 1 hour to deliver a baby and others 24 hours? Why do some people take 45 minutes to eat a meal and others 15 minutes? Why do some people read a book in one day and others in one week? Why do some students take a test in 3 hours and others take 6 hours? We are all different with different strengths and weaknesses. Who set up that tests should be timed anyway? It's just the way it's always been. Solution: Untimed tests for all students.

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