Summary for Educators: “Racing Against the Clock”

For students with processing difficulties, timed tests can turn into high-stakes obstacles that obscure what they actually know. In the article “Racing Against the Clock,” researchers highlight the power of time accommodations in leveling the playing field for learners with disabilities. A 2023 study of 1,530 eighth-grade students with learning disabilities taking the NAEP math test revealed that providing 50% extra time was the optimal support for improving performance.

This additional time significantly boosted both completion rates and overall test scores. It also allowed students more opportunity to use digital accommodations such as drawing tools and text-to-speech features—key supports that benefit learners with varied processing needs. Beyond academic performance, extra time helped reduce test anxiety and increased students' interest and enjoyment in math.

The study’s authors emphasize that the purpose of assessment is to measure what students know—not to penalize them for the speed at which they process information. When properly implemented, time accommodations ensure assessments are a true reflection of ability, not disability. For educators, this research reinforces the importance of individualized support and thoughtful test design to foster both equity and accuracy in student evaluation.

Full article available at: https://www.edutopia.org/article/racing-against-clock-time-accommod...