Modified Assessment/Reasonable Adjustment
Reasonable adjustment to assessment events may include modifications to the normally required form and format, or completing date, of:
- written reports and other assignments
- written tests and examinations
- oral presentations
Greater emphasis may need to be placed on assessment methods other than formal tests. These are increasingly common as good practice in mainstream assessment.
- demonstrations
- observation
- workplace supervisor reports
- portfolios
Any decision about the most suitable adjustment option for the student should be made in full consultation with the student.
Assignments
Unless handwriting ability is part of the required competency for a course, modification of an assignment could include allowing the student to have:
- a writer or typist put the assignment on paper, or disc, from the dictation of the student with a disability that prevents them writing of typing
- to deliver the assignment orally, either
- face-to-face
- on audiotape
- more time to complete the assignment on account of the additional reliance on a writer or typist, and the additional time it takes to prepare for dictation or tape recording
Oral Presentations
If a student with disabilities advises, or his or her advocate/carer advises, that the student has difficulties with making an oral presentation, then an adjustment to the classroom assessment process may be needed. Unless oral presentation ability is part of the required competency for a course, modification of a presentation event could include:
- allowing a student who is Deaf or hearing-impaired to make a presentation using Auslan, which could be translated into voice by a sign language interpreter
- accepting a written presentation by a student with speech impairment, which could be read by:
- you or a teaching assistant
- the student's associate, advocate or carer
- another student
- a screen reader (if the text is supplied on disc)
