<p>So today I took my ACTs for the first time.I have an IEP I've gotten extended time on the PSAT's HSPAs, NJASK, APs, as well as test in all my Academic areas. So I go to the test center and I find out that I wasn't allowed extended time. I talked to this woman and she said it was to late to get it and that just because I have an IEP doesn't mean I'm allowed extended time. So I take the test and pretty much bombed it because I've only practiced under the conditions of extra time and I only was able to get to half the questions for each section. I didn't even bother to do the writing cause I know I did atrocious. The woman I talked gave me a number to call which I did. The ACT people said that it was the schools responsibility to apply for extra time for me, which they didn't. So basically I got screwed over cause there is no way I can use this score and now I only have one more chance to take it which is in October. Basically what I'm trying to ask is that is failing to file for extra time anyway illegal? They've been telling me over the years that they can get that extra time for me. Well it came and I didn't get it. I know the laws for IEPs are usually stricter then 504 plans. But is what they did in anyway illegal? (FYI I have ADD and an Auditory Processing Issue).</p>
<p>Hi so I probably can’t give you the exact answer your looking for but I also have ADD and am going to be taking the ACT next year. For freshman and sophomore year I’ve had to take all my math and science tests in the counselors office so they can record just how much longer it takes me to do the tests so I will get extended time on the math and science sections. So I know for a fact that it requires alot of extensive and seeming unnecessary documentation. In fact this year I found out that I have to go get evaluated (basically rediagnosed) this summer just so whoever the head of the IEP or whatever it’s called portion of the testing can approve me. I go to private school but they have to refer to a district wide person for this. My school mandated ACT test is not until March and I do plan on taking it before then in December but my counselor told me she has I send in all my forms way earlier so I will receive extra time. I’m sorry this happened to you but as you see alot of this is your schools responsibility so I would take this up with them right away. FYI I was told that the SAT is way less strict about getting extended time and the whole process of it.</p>
<p>Yea I know what you mean. I go to public school so usually there is a separate room for extra time student (except for AP Testing). I’ve had an IEP for three years and they said once I was done with my ACTs they would move to a 504 plan (Since I receive no special services except extra time). Yet I go to testing today and find out they didn’t send the form in. Look I more ****ed that they’ve been telling me for years that they are keeping the IEP so I can get extended time and now I learn I didn’t get it? Idk if it is but it really should be illegal espcially after all they put me through to get it.</p>
<p>Your school puts in the application, but it is your (or your parents’) obligation to ask them to do this in a timely manner ahead of the tests. In fact, if you look at the form on the ACT website, you can see that you/your parents fill out the first six sections of the form and sign it, then give it to your school to do the rest. It isn’t something that automatically is done by schools just because you have an IEP or get extra time for a learning disability. Then if you are granted the extra time, bring your documentation from the ACT or College Board on the day of testing. You really can’t blame the school, you are the one registering for the tests and you need to own making sure the applications for accomodations are in process. You can try applying now and retaking the test if you get the extra time. You probably should also apply for extra time on the SAT and try that instead if you don’t get granted the ACT time.</p>
<p>Definitely start the process to get extended time NOW. My son took the ACT today with extended time. He desperately needed that extended time, and even with it, he didn’t finish the test.</p>
<p>With the SAT, my son’s guidance counselor put in the application. All I had to do was sign the thing. But with the ACT application for extended time, I had to pretty much all of the application process, and the GUIDANCE COUNSELOR signed it and sent it in. Then, the ACT application was denied. That’s when the real work happened, and I had to compile this huge bunch of documentation. It took about six weeks to get a response, and I was surprised and thrilled that extended time was granted to my son.</p>
<p>I’m with you, though. There seems to be very little information about extended time for the ACT. What I found was that there was even less information about how they RUN the ACT for extended time students. In the regular ACT test, each section lasts for a certain amount of time, and then a proctor says “put your pencil down” and that section comes to an end. With the extended time ACT test, the kids have 5 hours to take the test, but it’s up to them to know when to finish each section. If you take a super long time with each section, you do what my son did, and you take too long with the first three sections, and only get 10 minutes for the science section! </p>
<p>Like you, my son will have to take it again. I totally get your frustration. The whole situation stinks.</p>
<p>If I can help answer any questions for you, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Yes, the way they do extra time on the ACT freaked my D out a bit. She thought maybe the proctor had screwed up, couldn’t believe they let her just decide how long each section would be. She actually finished about when everyone with the regular amount of time did – she took longer on the math (as her disability would indicate she would), but whizzed through the other sections. She ended up going back and asking her counselor to make sure they had done the timing right because she was worried about it.</p>
<p>If you Google Extended Time ACT, it will take you to the section of the ACT website about this. There is a link to download the form you need, and the form has a lot of information on it.</p>
<p>As intparent described the ACT accommodations must be requested for EACH test and must be submitted by the school. You need to request the school submit the paperwork–go and find the information on the ACT site.</p>
<p>SAT will allow the schools to submit the paperwork one time and it will cover all PSAT and all SAT sittings. Unfortunately ACT insists on paperwork being submitted for each and every test taken. As others have said, start now and talk to your counselor or IEP manager to get the process started. It is not automatically done by the school.</p>