It’s that time again – school’s back and many families are doing their best to settle into the new routine for the year. As students in WA prepare for assessments and ATAR exams, the School Curriculum Standards Authority (SCSA) ensures that every student has equitable access to opportunities for success - regardless of whether they are attending a public, private, or independent school.
Tailored supports can make all the difference in a student’s ability to effectively engage with assessments. If you’re wondering whether your child may be eligible for adjustments and accommodations around school assessments, we’ve put together this brief guide to help you out.
What Does "Equitable Access to Assessment" Mean?
Equitable access means all students, regardless of their individual support needs, can participate in assessments on a level playing field. The SCSA recognises that students with disabilities or additional learning needs may require adjustments or accommodations to demonstrate their abilities accurately.
Adjustments or accommodations could involve having extended time for tests, use of technology, access to breaks, or even a separate testing environment/location. These adjustments help ensure that all students have the same opportunity to succeed.
How Parents Can Access Support for Their Child
Know the Deadlines
Make sure you’re aware of the key dates for submitting documentation and requests for accommodations. These can vary depending on the type of assessment and your child’s year level. Check the SCSA website at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/ for the most up-to-date information.
Get a Formal Assessment
If your child is suspected of having ADHD, a learning disorder, or autism, it’s crucial to have them assessed by the appropriate professionals. A comprehensive assessment can provide you with a formal diagnosis, which is often required when applying for adjustments. It can also provide recommendations and suggest resources for supporting your child well, in all aspects of their life.
Work with Your Child’s School
Schools play an essential role in meeting children’s support needs. Maintain regular communication with your child’s teachers and the school’s special education team. Share any relevant information or reports from healthcare professionals to ensure that the school is aware of your child’s needs.
Advocate for Your Child’s Needs
If you believe your child requires specific accommodations, don’t hesitate to advocate for them. If necessary, request meetings with the school or the SCSA to discuss what supports are available and how they can be tailored for your child.
Prepare Early
Assessments for adjustments and accommodations take time, and the more lead time you give yourself and your child, the better the chance of getting the necessary supports in place. Start the process early in the academic year to avoid unnecessary stress closer to assessment periods.
Stay Informed
Policies around assessments and accommodations can change over time. Stay updated on any changes to the SCSA guidelines and regularly check in with the school for updates on how accommodations are being implemented for your child.
Important Timeframes and Requirements
The SCSA has clear deadlines and requirements for requesting adjustments for students. It's essential that parents are aware of these deadlines so they can advocate well for their child. In many cases, applications for adjustments need to be submitted several weeks or months in advance of school assessments, and they require relevant supporting documentation such as:
Formal diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety etc.)
Detailed reports from specialists (e.g., psychologists, speech therapists)
Educational plans or recommendations from school staff
This year, the deadline for submitting applications requesting equitable access adjustments for ATAR course examinations is Thursday, 27th March 2025.
How Amherst Psychology Can Help
If you think your child may benefit from equitable access to assessments, we are here to help. We offer comprehensive educational and neurodevelopmental assessments and currently have appointments available with minimal waiting times.
Assessments offered at Amherst Psychology include (click on each for details):
The detailed written report you receive at the conclusion of the assessment process can serve as official documentation to support your application for assessment adjustments through SCSA. Our experienced assessment team is also happy to complete relevant additional paperwork that may be required to support your child’s application.
Every student deserves the chance to showcase their knowledge and skills. The SCSA’s commitment to equitable access to assessment is an important step in ensuring that all students in Western Australia have the support they need to succeed. If you have questions about specific accommodations or the assessment process, reach out to your child’s school or the SCSA directly. For information about our assessment services, please get in touch via this online form.
Comments