Why Parents Are Paying $10K for School Exam Accommodations
The real reason parents are spending $10K to ‘game’ school exams
Image: New York Post
Context
In the United States, many parents are seeking neuropsychological assessments for their children to obtain accommodations for standardized tests like the SAT. These assessments can lead to diagnoses of learning disabilities, which then enable students to receive additional support in school through Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
What The Author Says
The author argues that the rise in parents spending $10,000 for neuropsychological assessments reflects a broken educational system that prioritizes bureaucracy over student needs.
Key Arguments
📗 Facts
- Nearly 7% of students receive accommodations for standardized tests like the SAT, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allocates $291 million for educational support in New York City schools.
- The number of students receiving accommodations has risen nationally by more than 300% over the past 20 years.
📕 Opinions
- The author believes that the surge in spending on assessments is a symptom of a failing educational system.
- The author suggests that schools are forced to rely on the IEP system to secure necessary funding.
Counterpoints
Standardized tests may not accurately reflect student abilities.
Critics argue that the focus on standardized testing can overlook diverse learning styles and needs, suggesting a need for broader educational reform.
Public assessments should be sufficient for accommodations.
Some believe that free assessments provided by the Department of Education should adequately address student needs without the necessity of private evaluations.
Investing in education should focus on systemic reform.
Rather than individual assessments, some argue that systemic changes in funding and support for schools would be a more effective solution.
Bias Assessment
The author emphasizes the failures of the educational system while potentially overlooking the complexities of standardized testing.
Why This Matters
The increasing number of students receiving accommodations highlights systemic issues in public education funding and support. With nearly 7% of students now receiving extra time on exams, understanding this trend is crucial for addressing educational inequities.
🤔 Think About
- •How can educational systems better support diverse learning needs without relying on private assessments?
- •What are the long-term implications of increased accommodations for standardized testing?
- •Could there be a more equitable way to fund educational resources without burdening parents?
- •In what ways might the current system be reformed to prioritize student learning over bureaucratic processes?
Opens original article on New York Post
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