What are common assessment accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans?
Assessment Accommodations for IEP and 504 Plans
When students with disabilities sit down to take a test, their ability to succeed should not depend on whether they can access the test in the same way as their peers. That’s why assessment accommodations are NOT optional - they’re a legal right.
Under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, schools are required by federal law to provide appropriate accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities are assessed fairly.
But confusion, inconsistency, or disregard for these accommodations can lead to serious consequences for students, teachers, and schools. In this post, we’ll explore what accommodations are, common types, how to implement them correctly, and what happens when schools get it wrong.
What Are Assessment Accommodations?
Assessment accommodations are adjustments or supports that allow students with disabilities to access tests and assessments without altering the learning goal or content being measured.
They do not change:
The academic standard
The difficulty level of the assessment
The grading criteria
Instead, accommodations level the playing field by removing barriers unrelated to the skill being assessed, so students can demonstrate what they truly know and can do.
Accommodations aren’t optional - they’re a legal requirement
Why Accommodations Are Required by Law
Federal Protections
IDEA ensures students with disabilities have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which includes accommodations as outlined in their IEPs.
Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in schools receiving federal funding and requires accommodations in testing and instruction.
When an IEP or 504 plan lists an accommodation, schools are legally obligated to provide it, not just on state assessments, but on every classroom quiz, project, or test where the accommodation is applicable.
Consequences of Not Providing Accommodations
If schools fail to provide legally required accommodations, they can face:
1) Denial of FAPE
This can result in due process complaints, state complaints, or federal lawsuits.
2) Invalid Assessment Results
When accommodations aren’t provided, assessment results are considered invalid and can misrepresent the student’s abilities.
3) Loss of Trust and Equity
Families lose trust in the school system, and the student may experience long-term academic and emotional consequences.
4) Audit or Compliance Violations
Districts may face sanctions, corrective action plans, or loss of funding if they are found out of compliance during audits.
What Happens If Accommodations Are Misused?
Providing accommodations to students not entitled to them or using accommodations that modify the test instead of accommodating it, can also be problematic.
It may invalidate the assessment
It could be seen as an unfair advantage
It could create equity issues for students without disabilities
It may impact accountability and reporting systems
All accommodations must be documented in the student's plan and implemented with fidelity.
7 Common Assessment Accommodations With Examples
1) Extended Time:
Student receives 1.5x or 2x the time limit
Helps students with processing disorders, ADHD, anxiety
Should be documented and applied consistently
2) Small-Group or Individual Testing:
Student takes assessment in a distraction-reduced or private setting
Often needed for students with sensory sensitivities or focus challenges
3) Read-Aloud (Human or Audio):
Questions or passages are read aloud
Only allowed on tests where reading is not the skill being measured
Used for students with dyslexia or vision impairments
4) Use of Assistive Technology:
Speech-to-text tools, screen readers, or word processors
Supports students with physical or written expression challenges
5) Scribe or Oral Responses:
Student provides verbal answers to be transcribed
Appropriate for students with fine motor or expressive language disabilities
6) Frequent Breaks:
Short, scheduled breaks during long assessments
Supports students with attention, anxiety, or medical needs
7) Simplified or Clarified Directions:
Instructions are restated or simplified (not content)
Especially helpful for students with cognitive delays or language barriers
5 Tips for Proper Implementation
1. Know the Plan
Every teacher must be familiar with the IEP or 504 accommodations before assessment begins.
2. Train and Communicate
Schools must train test proctors and staff to implement accommodations correctly and confidentially.
3. Document Usage
Track when and how accommodations are used, especially during state testing.
4. Check for Fidelity
Use checklists or audit logs to ensure accommodations are provided exactly as written.
5. Collaborate with the Student
Teach students how to request, use, and reflect on their accommodations to build self-advocacy.
Accommodations ≠ Modifications
Accommodation: Changes how a student accesses or demonstrates | Modification: Changes what the student is expected to learn
Accommodation: Does not lower the standard | Modification: Does lower the standard or expectations
Accommodation: Required under IEP/S504 for equity | Modification: Used only with significant curriculum adjustments
Only students with IEPs, not 504 Plans, can receive modifications, and these must be clearly outlined in the IEP.
Final Thoughts: Accommodations Protect Access and Equity
Assessment accommodations aren’t favors - they’re civil rights protections. When provided correctly, they give students with disabilities a fair chance to succeed, grow, and show what they’ve truly learned. A test should measure what a student knows, not what they can navigate without support.
Want more strategies?
Get Lesson Planning & Quick Assessment Toolkit — tools to design lessons, track progress, and assess learning with ease. Also featured in the Classroom Essentials Pack.
Lesson Planning & Quick Assessment Toolkit
Why Teachers Love It: Teachers love it because it makes planning and assessment more efficient, with easy-to-adapt tools that keep students engaged and progress measurable.
Start Strong with Classroom Essentials - Get everything you need to organize, plan, and manage your classroom in one convenient bundle. Perfect for new teachers or those looking to refresh their classroom systems. Why Teachers Love It: Saves hours of prep time and helps establish structure from day one.