Effective Collaboration for Testing Accommodations in Baltimore Conference 2024

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Tested by Faculty: Effective Collaboration for Facilitating Testing Accommodations Lisa Colacicco Diekow, University of Florida Farah Robles, Florida Atlantic University

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Conference Civility Statement We ask you to join us in creating a culture that reflects Access and Inclusion & Civility and Respect this week and in all aspects of our organization

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Presentation Outline Introductions Program Overview and Framework Learning Goals Broaden the understanding of current testing trends Develop effective strategies for working with faculty

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Overall Strategic Framework The intent of the Overall Strategic Framework is as a guide to assess/reflect on current performance and action steps to attain departmental goals set by the Testing Office.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Our why, our promise This presentation will explore the valuable relationship that testing center staff must establish and continue to nurture as we collectively coordinate to facilitate testing accommodations for students with disabilities. The program presenters will share current strategies to effectively collaborate, including examples of departmental resources and a framework for creating an action plan for the future. Facilitated discussions will include the challenges and successes of two different testing operations. Regardless of department size, this presentation will connect you with colleagues to share experiences for building positive relationships with faculty.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Guiding Principles (that have served us well) Coaching from the middle: We are here to support OUR students, to create partnerships, to help students navigate the accommodation process, and to be compliant with ADA. Navigating in the gray: Students and their disabilities are unique, there is not only one solution for every problem. We use the interactive process to navigate the unknown, ever- changing technology, and classroom management techniques. Gentle parenting: Create and nurture relationships with faculty, reward positive behaviors, act supportive even when saying NO, set the stage for collaboration, leave legal jargon as a last resort. Flexibility within the procedures: Policies are needed and necessary. Policies are imperative to the effectiveness of office operations with the understanding that flexibility is necessary. If your office is not flexible it is not working effectively.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Faculty Interface Establish and nurture positive relationships while maintaining operational policies and procedures Check that operational policies and procedures are easily accessible to students and faculty, e.g. website, paper copies, printed, reminders on your direct email to the professor for specific policy, etc. Provide training opportunities for new faculty/instructors/adjuncts/TA s. As well as refreshers for long term faculty. If your procedures and policies change, faculty should be notified. Ensure that the language for operational policies and communication with faculty is clear and easy to understand. Create how-to guides to provide to faculty and staff. Include language that reminds them they are supported by the office and that their work is valued.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Faculty Interface-2 Invite feedback Train staff to behave pleasantly and to nurture relationships with faculty. Allow faculty to provide feedback in a safe manner to strengthen the partnership. Reinforce a coach from the middle mindset. There are times in which we need to explain why certain procedures are established, and there are other times when we need to adjust the procedures to reflect the changing times. Students should be encouraged to provide feedback as end users of our services. As people feel heard and respected the relationship will strengthen.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Faculty Interface-3 Be honest about limitations and encourage collaboration for problem solving Consider creating relationships with department chairs and college deans to discuss staffing shortages, space limitations, rapidly increasing new student numbers, large classes, hours of operation, and new technology. Always prioritize exam integrity. Utilize the interactive process to unveil unusual accommodations, unforeseen situations, and emergencies.

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Challenges & Approaches Impact of COVID: lessons learned and continued challenges Technology: old, new, and planning for the future Testing platforms and lockdown browsers ALT Text formats

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Challenges & Approaches Facility limitations and hours of operation: when classes are offered, type of course, individual student needs Technology: new technologies, AI, students with high need for technology, compatibility of exam platforms & software, and purchases by the university COVID or institutional impact: online classes, online exams, other technologies, impact of weather occurrences

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Framework: Benefits of Partnership Students, faculty, and testing office benefit from positive relationships Streamline process and procedures from feedback Collaborative problem solving Effective testing services ADA compliance

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Questions???

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Thank you for attending!

Baltimore, Maryland July 15-19, 2024 Presenter Information Lisa C. Diekow Farah Robles ldiekow@ufl.edu frobles2014@health.fau.edu