As the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) continues to grow in the United States, it is increasingly important to ensure that these students have equal access to education and educational opportunities, including standardized tests such as the ACT^®. Standardized tests play an important role in college admissions, scholarships, and other opportunities, so it is crucial that ELL students are provided with appropriate accommodations to enable them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on these tests. In this blog post, we will explore the accommodations available to ELL students on the ACT^® test and discuss their importance in promoting equity and inclusion in education.

Accommodations for ELL students on the ACT^® 

The ACT^® test is designed to measure college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. For ELL students who are still developing their English proficiency, taking the ACT^® test can be a challenging experience. However, the ACT^® provides a range of accommodations to help ELL students demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the test. These accommodations are designed to level the playing field for ELL students and ensure that they have an equal opportunity to succeed.

• Extended time: ELL students who need additional time to complete the test can request extended time. This accommodation provides 50% more time than the standard time allotted for each section of the test.
• English learner supports: ELL students can request English learner support, which include bilingual word-to-word dictionaries, translated test directions, and translated glossaries of key test terms.
• Small group testing: ELL students who are more comfortable taking tests in a small group setting can request this accommodation.
• Special test formats: ELL students can also request special test formats, such as Braille or large print, if they have a documented disability that requires these accommodations.
• Breaks: ELL students can request breaks during the test to help manage test-related anxiety or fatigue.

The importance of accommodations for ELL students on the ACT^® test

Providing accommodations for ELL students on the ACT^® test is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that ELL students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the test, which is important for college admissions, scholarships, and other opportunities. Without accommodations, ELL students may struggle to understand the test questions or complete the test within the allotted time, which could negatively impact their scores and their future opportunities.

Second, providing accommodations promotes equity and inclusion in education. It recognizes that ELL students have unique needs and challenges that must be addressed to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to succeed. By providing accommodations, the ACT^® test acknowledges and values the diversity of ELL students and their contributions to the academic community.

Finally, providing accommodations for ELL students on the ACT^® test aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is an educational framework that emphasizes the need to design instructional materials and assessments that are accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. By providing accommodations, the ACT^® test is embracing the principles of UDL and demonstrating its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible testing environment.

The principles of UDL are:

• Multiple Means of Representation: Providing multiple ways to present information to learners, such as using text, graphics, videos, and audio to accommodate different learning styles.
• Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways, such as through written or spoken language, visuals, or other media.
• Multiple Means of Engagement: Providing different ways for students to engage with the material, such as through interactive activities, peer collaboration, or real-world applications.

Providing accommodations for ELL students on the ACT^® test is essential for promoting equity and inclusion in education. These accommodations ensure that ELL students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the test and access the same opportunities as their peers. By providing accommodations, the ACT^® test is recognizing the unique needs and challenges of ELL students and demonstrating its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible testing environment. As the number of ELL students continues to grow in the United States, it is important that we continue to prioritize accommodations and other supports that promote their success in education and beyond.