Special Education

Teaching Students with Learning and Behavioural Differences
A Resource Guide for Teachers

Academic Considerations - Strategies for Secondary Teachers


See appendix 10

Tests/Exams

Performance on tests/exams does not appear consistent with understanding of concepts.

Strategies

  • Allow extra time to complete test.
  • Allow use of word processor or other technology .
  • Teach and review key test-taking vocabulary (e.g. list, compare, contrast, discuss).
  • Teach strategies for preparing for different kinds of tests.
  • Consider open-book tests or tests with use of notebooks.
  • Select question format carefully (e.g. consider use of multiple choice or matching items rather than requesting recall of specific facts).
  • Consider alternatives to objective tests (e.g. oral presentation, concrete application, AV presentation, graphic display).
  • Present test questions orally by providing a reader or a tape recording of the questions.
  • Allow student to take test or exam in an alternate setting.
Learning outcomes difficult to achieve.

Strategies

  • Provide adjusted timetable to assist student to succeed in course load (coordinate with counsellor or appropriate personnel).
  • Consider providing a support block for learning strategies.
  • Consider further adaptations to the scheduling of required subjects (e.g. space high school requirements over an extra year, encourage intensive study in one required course over the summer by means of correspondence or summer school).