About this resource
Assessment should measure what a student knows, not the barriers they face. This planner records what the task assesses, the student's barriers, adjustments to format, time, environment and support, and checks that the adjustment keeps the task's purpose.
Purpose
To plan assessment adjustments that remove barriers without changing what is being assessed.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Educators and school support staff. Also relevant for occupational therapists, speech pathologists.
Client or participant group: Teachers planning assessments for students with disability or additional needs.
Practice setting: Primary and secondary schools.
Suggested uses
- Planning assessments
- Exam arrangements
- Student support group meetings
- Reviewing adjustments
Instructions for practitioners
- Identify what the task is really assessing.
- Consult the student about what helps.
- Keep the purpose of the task the same.
- Follow school and system rules for formal exams.
Accessibility considerations
Students can contribute in ways that suit them.
Scope and limitations
A planning tool. Formal examination arrangements follow the relevant authority's rules.
Research basis
Clear expectations, explicit teaching of routines and frequent positive feedback are evidence-based classroom practices; adjustments for students with disability are required under the Disability Standards for Education.
- Australian Government. Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005
- Simonsen, B., Fairbanks, S., Briesch, A., Myers, D., & Sugai, G. (2008). Evidence-based practices in classroom management: Considerations for research to practice. Education and Treatment of Children, 31, 351–380. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.0.0007
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
