Very rarely are there issues when our homeschool students are guests of a school system when taking standardized tests. If a school agrees to host your child, normally things proceed smoothly.
However, there have been rare instances of test day problems. From the school turning off air conditioning on a sweltering summer day, to a proctor stopping a writing section 20 minutes early, to incorrect instructions, to actual harassment of a homeschooled student by a proctor, it is important that students know their rights.
If, in an extreme instance, a student thinks a proctor might actually change their answers on the test, they should go from the testing room immediately to the test coordinator and explain their concern so immediate action can be taken.
In most situations, a student should keep all the numbers associated with their exam (for example, their AP number from their Student Pack, the name of the school, and date test was taken). Then, follow up with CollegeBoard immediately.
There are protocols in place to protect students when there is a test day problem. For example, if the test in question is an AP exam, go to CollegeBoard.org:
- AP Central
- AP Students
- Exam Policies and Guidelines
- Reporting Exam Day Problems
According to professionals at CollegeBoard: “If you believe there is a problem while you are taking the exam (e.g., you aren’t given enough time for a section of the exam, or the directions you receive are incorrect), notify your AP coordinator immediately so necessary action can be taken as soon as possible. If that doesn’t resolve the situation, speak to your principal.
If you are homeschooled or do not have an AP coordinator at your school, contact AP Services for Students at 888-225-5427 or 212-632-1780.”
There are similar steps for SAT problems.
- Taking the Tests
- Test Day Mishaps
This information isn’t to promote fear and distrust because these kinds of things are very rare. But, if they do happen, a student needs to know their rights ahead of time and be proactive quickly. It may mean retaking the test, but that is better than producing a score that is not a true reflection of a student’s abilities.
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