Extended Testing Time Procedure for Students with Limited English Proficiency – Approved!
Posted by anne.grey
Presenters: Phyllis Petteys (Accessibility Specialist), Mel DeLeon (Communication Access and Digital Inclusion Manager), Kaela Parks (Dean of Inclusive and Accessible Education)
Portland Community College has approved a new procedure that provides extended testing time for students with limited English proficiency. In the past, multilingual students learning English often ran out of time on timed exams because of the extra time needed to translate questions, even when they knew the course material well. Because language barriers are not disability-related, standard ADA accommodations could not be used. Under the new process, supported by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, students can self-identify and request an official notification letter to share with their instructors. Faculty can grant time-and-a-half directly in D2L Brightspace or use the testing center’s makeup exam process for in-person tests, ensuring grades accurately reflect student knowledge.
Presentation Outcomes
- Understand the institutional gap between disability accommodations and language-barrier testing needs.
- Recognize how Title VI of the Civil Rights Act provides the legal foundation for extended testing time for multilingual learners.
- Identify the student-driven steps for requesting and submitting an extended testing time notification letter.
- Implement extended testing time (1.5x) in online assessments via D2L Brightspace or through testing center makeup exam workflows.
- Incorporate sample syllabus statements to inform students about the new testing adjustment procedure.
Post generated by CTLE Web Designer Gem on 09/26/2026