Dr. Kate's presentation at the Tata Learning Disability Forum (TLDF), 2013

1. Leveling the Playing Field:
Accommodations for Students
with Specific Learning Disability
Kate Currawalla
Maharashtra Dyslexia Association

2. WHY DO STUDENTS
WITH SLD NEED
ACCOMMODATIONS???

6. PROVISIONS
Government of Maharashtra
School Education and Sports Department
Government Resolution No. SSP
2006/(231/06)Prashi5.
7th September 2006

7. PROVISIONS SSC (UPTO STD X)
• 25% extra time
• Oral Test along with the written examination for
Standard I to IX.
Promotion to next class on the basis of the Average
• Scribe/typewriter
• Question papers to be read out
• Exemption from one language other than English

8. PROVISIONS SSC………
Arithmetic
Standard I to IV – errors of interchanging of
computation signs and number reversal to be ignored
Arithmetic of Standard V in Standard V & VI
Arithmetic of Standard VI in Standard VII & VIII
Arithmetic of Standard VII in Standard IX & X
ICSE & CBSE students of Standard IX and X can choose
to take exemption from Mathematics.

9. PROVISIONS SSC…….
• Spelling errors and incorrect sentence construction to
be ignored.
• Errors in respect of showing directions in Geography to
be ignored.
• Students between Standard I & X exempted from
drawing diagrams, graphs, maps and charts.
Marks for such questions proportionately distributed
to the other questions or students to be provided with
supplementary questions.

10. PROVISIONS SSC……
• 20% consolidated grace marks in one or more subjects
• Students are permitted to write in ordinary print
• Exempted from having to write answers in detail
during exams
• Physiology & Hygiene in lieu of Science
Details available on the government website
www.maharashtra.gov.in
Computer code number 20060907162939001.

11. It is important to apply these
provisions in spirit and not just to
the letter!
– Understand the nature of difficulties faced
by an individual student
– Recognise strengths and build on them
– Use innovative strategies that may not be
mandated

12. PROVISIONS – ICSE (STD X)
•Exemption from 2nd Language ???
•Extra time – 15 minutes per hour
45 minutes for a 2 ½ hours paper
•Amanuensis / Computer
•Question papers to be read out to the student.
•Use of a calculator for any calculations in
certain cases. (Maths & Science are optional
subjects)

13. PROVISIONS (CBSE)
•Amanuensis
•Additional 1 hour time for each paper
•English & any four of the following subjects
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science
• Another Language
• Music
• Painting
• Home Science
• Introductory Information Technology

14. PROVISIONS
AT
HSC EXAMINATIONS

15. Provisions at H.S.C. Examinations
•Extra Time: One Hour
•Option of Vocational subjects instead of second
language
•Use of amanuensis, if required.
•Calculator for Math in all streams & Book-
Keeping and Accountancy, Commerce Stream in
cases of Dyscalculia

16. Educational Testing Service Policy,
Effective November 1, 2005.

17. ETS Accommodations
Some accommodations that may be
approved include:

18. ETS Computer-Based Testing
Extended testing time (all tests are timed)
Additional rest breaks
Reader
Recorder / writer of answers
Selectable background and foreground colours
Alternate test formats:
Audio recording
Large print

19. ETS Computer-Based Testing……
The following may be made available to those
familiar with their use:
Kensington Trackball mouse
HeadMasterTM Plus mouse
IntelliKeys® keyboard
Keyboard with touchpad
Magnifying Text on Computer Screens

20. Paper-based Tests
Extended testing time (all tests are timed)
Additional rest breaks
Writer / recorder of answers
Reader
Large print question paper
Large-print answer sheet
Audio recording
Audio recording with large-print figure supplement

21. When and why should a student drop a
language?
Students with significant language difficulties
benefit from concentrating on a single
language.
Students can ideally attend class/give oral tests
or study a reduced portion.
Dropping a language in the higher classes allows
student to focus on core subjects.

22. Should LD students drop
Mathematics?
• Higher thinking skills / mathematics can be a
gateway to higher education.
• Many vocational courses require basic
mathematical skills (up to std. X or XII)
• Universities abroad do require a foundation in
mathematics, but there are ways to fulfill this
requirement later.

23. In determining what provisions to
access, it is important to consider:
• Future career options
• Nature of the student’s difficulties
• Training the student to derive the maximum
benefit from provisions such as extra time or
use of a reader.

24. “Let no child be demeaned,
nor have his wonder diminished, because
of our ignorance or inactivity.
Let no child be deprived of discover
because we lack the resources to discover
his problem.
Let no child ever doubt himself or his mind
because we are unsure of our commitment.”
National Center for Learning Disabilities