Extended testing time accommodations require instructors to provide extended time as specified in a student’s accommodation letter unless a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) testing time approach is approved by ODS. UDL testing time involves giving all students substantially more time than usual, which can serve as built-in access and potentially reduce the need for individual extended time accommodations.
Using UDL Testing Time as an Alternative to Extended Testing Time
One application of UDL is providing sufficient time for all students from the outset, potentially reducing the need for individualized extended-time accommodations.
For testing time, a UDL approach may apply when all students are provided substantially more time than they typically need to complete the assessment, as demonstrated by actual student use of the allotted time. In that case, the additional time may function as built-in access rather than standard testing time.
Increasing time for all students does not eliminate the need for extended-time accommodations. If most students need the allotted time to complete the assessment, that time is considered standard testing time, and approved extended-time accommodations must still be provided.
Standard Practice: Unless ODS has approved a UDL timing approach, students must receive extended time based on the total time provided to the class.
Key Concepts:
- Base time: The amount of time students generally need to complete the assessment based on prior student performance or the instructor’s best estimate.
- Standard time: The amount of time available to every student taking the assessment. This is the time used when determining testing accommodations unless ODS approves a UDL timing approach.
How ODS Evaluates Timing Structures
If most students routinely finish well before time expires, the additional time may function as a buffer.
If most students use nearly all the allotted time, approved extended-time accommodations must still be provided.
Example: A quiz typically requires about 10 minutes to complete. An instructor allows 20 minutes, and most students finish in 10–12 minutes. In this case, the extra time functions as a buffer for everyone, and ODS may determine that additional individual extended time is not required. If most students use 18–20 minutes, the 20 minutes functions as standard testing time, and approved accommodations must still be added.
When to Submit UDL Testing Time Review Form
Complete the UDL Testing Time Review Form if you:
- Designed an assessment with extended time for all students and want ODS to evaluate whether the timing may function as a UDL approach.
- Believe the time provided to all students may already function as a UDL timing approach and would like ODS to evaluate whether additional individual extended time is still required.
Submitting the form is optional. If you do not pursue a UDL timing review, continue providing approved extended-time accommodations through standard ODS procedures.
Next Steps after Submitting UDL Testing Time Review Form
- The ODS Executive Director or designee will review the request, seek clarification if needed, and communicate the determination, including any conditions, limitations, or next steps.
- If approved, you agree to provide follow-up information requested by ODS regarding implementation and effectiveness. Approved determinations will be documented in your ODS instructor profile.
- Approval applies only to the specific assessment or assessment type reviewed and does not automatically extend to other assessments, courses, or instructional contexts.
- Approval must be reconsidered if there is a change in instructor or a substantial change to the assessment content, format, competency being measured, or time provided to students.
- ODS reserves the right to revisit, modify, or withdraw approval if assessment administration differs substantially from the information provided in the request.