I have 17 year old High School senior, who lives 200 miles away. She has been professionally diagnosed with ADD/ODD for at least five years. Visited with her last week and she is VERY WORRIED ABOUT TASS. She can't graduate unless she passes??She has always failed all or part of previous TASS test. She was in special education, but went to regular classes, the special education was for extra help when failing a subject. Child always had problems with times test. she paniacs BIG TIME AND LOUDLY. Does any one know if the time can be extended for the test she will have to pass to graduate?? Any links to sites that may help her with asking would be greatly appreciated!! She is willing to look up information but lives with Dad and must share computer time. I have information from years ago about special education, lot and lots of infomation about adults but zero information on her issue. Her Dad provides little help when it comes to "these ADD and school things" that has always been "my department". My daughter Michelle is willing to help herself and is old enough to take care of some matters. I would even be willing to go down to San Angelo myself and make request if necessary, but would need more updated information on the laws. When it comes to school and my Michelle there is some "stone walling" on the school's behalf. :confused: She has "past" behavior issues with mouth control!! I have aways gotten further faster (less of my own behavior issues in mouth department) if I go armed with information.

We have similar a similar test hear in Mass it's called the MCAS.

If you daughter has an IEP or 504 plan than she can receive extra time taking the test and even taking it in a different location away from the rest of the students.

One of the best sites with info about ADD and accomodations is http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/add.index.htm

Thanks Livingwith add I will access site and pass onto daughter. Last time she took a timed test she was arrested (really) She had IEP when she lived with me year before last I will check into where that is in present time when I visit there next week. Michelle is getting better as she thought of the testing problem at the beginning of the year as opposed to the week before the actual test. Guess the medication is working!! Now to get information, plan and action (with God's help as we are talking two ADDers and a school system)

She has several options she should be able to take this test in a smaller setting usually its a classroom with many less students this does help .
Try to get her to stay calm and think positive about taking the test.
Taking test was the hard thing for our older daughter who was ADHD she panicked everytime but after we kept reassuring her it really wasn't that big of a deal and got her in the quiteter class room she did much better.
Make sure the night before the test she gets plenty of rest and eats a big breakfast the day of the test. I found these things to really help.

Now our 13 year old son has the opposite problem on the TAKS test here in Texas he can ace the test its not a problem but he can't perfom in the classroom to much noise all the time. During the test its very quite so he can concentrate much better.

I feel so bad for these kids and the stress they endure everyday just trying to cope in school now all the mandatory testing just to graduate I don't think its right.

Sonya