Test anxiety has become increasingly common in America, especially with the increase in standardized testing requirements. As much as 20% of students experience high levels of test anxiety, and another 18% have moderate test anxiety. If you are worried about your child’s academic performance, there are accommodations available to curb the effects of test anxiety. Read on to learn how to get an IEP for test anxiety.
What Is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a personalized plan that highlights accommodations a school must provide for a student. To qualify for an IEP, the student must go through a professional assessment to determine the obstacles he or she is facing, along with the accommodations that might address them.
An IEP puts systems in place to give a student the best chance at success. This could include anything from isolated testing arrangements to extended assignment times and more. If a student does not qualify for an IEP but still needs accommodations, they may be able to pursue a 504 Plan. Learn more: IEP vs. IEE vs. 504 Plans
Will an IEP Cover Test Anxiety?
Unfortunately, this isn’t a straightforward answer. An IEP may outline accommodations to help with test anxiety, such as unlimited testing times or testing in a distraction-free setting. However, most students will not qualify for an IEP because of test anxiety alone.
If the test anxiety is a byproduct of a learning disability or tied to another condition, the IEP will likely address it. A 504 Plan could also provide accommodations for test anxiety. IEPs can cover autism, dyslexia, hearing impairments, physical impairments, and a range of other conditions, but they’re not necessarily designed to target test anxiety on its own.
How to Advocate for Your Child
If you’re worried about your child’s test anxiety, there are several ways to advocate for him or her. You could work with the school to pursue an IEP or 504 plan. You could also work with a place like CNLD Testing & Therapy to pinpoint the root cause of your child’s struggles. Through a combination of psychological testing and educational advocacy, we help parents navigate these tricky situations and put their children on a path toward success.
If you don’t feel like your child’s teacher or school is properly addressing his/her needs, don’t be afraid to speak out. You know your child best, and you can recognize his or her untapped potential. Our educational advocate can give you the tools to help your child. Contact us at (734) 994-9466 to learn more.
