Testing Accommodations and Services
When a DSPS Counselor determines that a student is eligible for specific testing accommodations as an eligible disability accommodation, the student will have the accommodations listed on the Accommodation Letter for the semester. Students with disabilities who have an Accommodation Letter for the semester can request to take their exams and quizzes in DSPS. The DSPS Lab has 18 testing spots, offering a combination of cubicles and desks for test takers.
Students with disabilities eligible for testing accommodations and services, need to notify DSPS, by emailing DSPStesting@hartnell.edu for each exam or quiz they are choosing to schedule to take in DSPS. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule their exams and quizzes at the beginning of the semester, when students receive the syllabus for a class. This allows DSPS and the instructors to plan ahead. If students notify DSPS less than three business days in advance of an exam or quiz, DSPS will make every attempt to schedule the student, although priority will be given to those with three business days advance notice.
Students need to include in testing requests, the following:
- Student first and last name
- Student ID number
- Course number
- Section number
- Instructor first and last name
- Date of exam or quiz
When a student request is received with complete information, DSPS routes the DSPS Testing Form via email to the student. Students need to watch their student email for the DSPS Testing Forms, to complete the student section of the form. When students submit the DSPS Testing Form, the software used, automatically routes the form to the instructor for the class.
When instructors complete their section of the DSPS Testing Form, providing the standard administration date, time, time allowed and what tools all students are allowed for the exam or quiz, and submits the form, DSPS, the student, and the instructor receive a completed copy via email. DSPS then schedules the exam or quiz to be taken, and plans for the disability accommodations and services the student is eligible for in the specific class.
DSPS has a camera system in its testing area, and there is signage posted of such. If a testing irregularity occurs, or the instructor has a reasonable belief that there was an irregularity, the instructor can review the video, and take the action the instructor deems appropriate. All students at the College need to follow the Code of Conduct. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the highest standards when taking exams and quizzes in DSPS, as the tests are instructor exams and quizzes.
Students need to arrive and be ready to begin testing at the scheduled time. Late start times or postponed testing dates or times in DSPS, requires the written approval of the instructor of the class. All exams and quizzes need to be scheduled to allow students their testing accommodations during the times DSPS is open, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Testing needs to be completed during a single proctoring session, unless the instructor has provided advance written approval.
For evening and weekend testing, students with disabilities need to discuss alternative testing days and times with their instructors in advance of testing, to ensure students can access the testing accommodations and services they are eligible for. DSPS recommends students have discussions with their instructors at the beginning of the semester. If after discussing the need with instructors, and students with disabilities would like advocacy from DSPS, students are responsible for contacting DSPS, and should meet with a DSPS Counselor.
Only test materials approved by the instructor, in writing, prior to the test or quiz will be allowed (class notes, dictionaries, calculators, textbooks, etc.). Students are not permitted to use or have personal devices, including cell phones, earbuds, electronic watches or other such devices during testing in DSPS. All devices, along with other personal items, including backpacks and other materials need to be in a DSPS locker or secure space within DSPS during testing, and be turned off.
Students with disabilities who enroll in classes that are held back-to-back, need to discuss the need for testing accommodations with their instructors, so that students do not need to miss class in order to use their eligible testing accommodations. After discussing the need with the instructor, and an arrangement is not worked out between the student and instructor, students should contact DSPS for assistance.
Students should arrive before the scheduled testing time. If students with disabilities are late, time will be deducted - just as it would for a non-disabled student arriving late for class on testing day. If students miss a scheduled testing time in DSPS, DSPS will return the exam or quiz to the instructor. It is then the student’s responsibility to obtain instructor approval to take a make-up exam or quiz. If the instructor approves a make-up exam or quiz, students will need to complete a new DSPS Testing Form, which DSPS routes through software and emails in a confidential manner, to both students and instructors.
Tools such as spell checkers, etc. will be allowed only when specifically approved by a DSPS Counselor, and will be listed on a student’s Accommodation Letter for the semester.
Students should refrain from using perfumes/scents as other students may have chemical sensitivities.
Students should use the restroom prior to arrival at the test taking site. If students need to use the restroom during an exam or quiz being proctored in DSPS, the instructor may be notified.
Eating, drinking (other than water in covered containers) and smoking are not permitted. However, special arrangements may be made for exams that last more than three hours.
Scratch paper used during testing in DSPS, will be provided by DSPS or the instructor, and needs to be turned in with exams and quizzes. Scratch paper will be sent to instructors, following the exam or quiz.
No children, family or friends will be allowed in the DSPS testing or Lab area.
Extended Time on Exams and Quizzes
When a DSPS Counselor determines that a student is eligible for specific amount of extended time testing accommodations as an eligible disability accommodation, the student will have the accommodations listed on the Accommodation Letter for the semester.
The extended time amount is inclusive of the total testing time, unless the instructor of the class provided a written approval.
Reduced Distraction Testing Environment
When a DSPS Counselor determines that a student is eligible for a reduced distraction testing environment accommodation as an eligible disability accommodation, the student will have the accommodations listed on the Accommodation Letter for the semester.
DSPS has an array of headphones available for students to wear during exams and quizzes administered in DSPS. Students are not permitted to wear earbuds or other devices that connect electronically to a device. Students can also bring ear plugs to use during testing. DSPS has placed at each testing station, a noise canceling machine, which is a small table top device that sounds like a light fan running, without air blowing.
Assistive and Adaptive Technology on Exams and Quizzes
Students with disabilities who are eligible for assistive or adaptive technology as a disability accommodation, and choose to use the technology during exams and quizzes in DSPS, need to state this in their testing request to DSPS. If personal laptops need to be used during testing in order to access the software license, no other websites or materials are allowed during testing, without written approval by the instructor of the class.
Scribes on Exams and Quizzes
A scribe is a person who writes what a student verbally communicates, in the completion of testing answers, or completes the scantron. The scribe serves only as dictation, and is not able to coach or provide answers to exam or quiz questions. If eligible students with disabilities are choosing to use this accommodation, students need to state this in their request to take their exam or quiz in DSPS.
Readers on Exams and Quizzes
A reader is a person who reads exam and quiz questions aloud. Eligible students with disabilities choosing to use this accommodation, need to state this in their request to take their exam or quiz in DSPS.