Often overlooked, the portable in the back parking lot is an integral part of academic success for many students.

That portable, the Testing and Learning Center (TLC), is an on-campus program that began in 2008 designed for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) or 504 plans who are mostly in mainstream courses but may take tests in a separate setting as one of their accommodations.
Students who need a quieter testing environment or extra time without interruptions benefit from having the TLC as designated place to work.

The TLC offers a variety of other assistance because some students also need additional accommodations to successfully complete assessments for their classes.

Students who need to use a word processor or have their tests read aloud have access to their own computer station and Kurzweil, a computer program that reads back the scanned version of a test.
For students who prefer having a person read their test aloud or need tests scribed, special education instructional aides are available to help.

Special education aide Michael Morosin reads tests and records students’ responses on a weekly basis. He reads at a comfortable speed for the student to ensure that he or she understands the questions clearly. Morosin also returns completed tests to teachers and delivers tests to the TLC from teachers.
Although Morosin has many roles in the TLC, he particularly appreciates the opportunity to read tests.

“What I really like about it is to see how a teacher organizes test questions to actually reflect the content of that class,” Morosin said.

Morosin feels all aspects of his work in the TLC are “rewarding and very approachable” because of the work that special education aide Patrick Neddersen and TLC coordinator Claire Dailey have done to keep the TLC organized.

Dailey has been running the program since it began and works with several aides and other staff members to ensure the TLC is effective for students.

“We are always available to help with any issues or questions,” Dailey said. “We will work with [students] to ensure that … they are receiving the accommodations they need.”

In addition to assisting students throughout the process of completing tests or quizzes, Dailey assists with student accommodations for standardized tests such as the STAR and CAHSEE exams, and helps coordinate the ACT and SAT accommodations for students who need to test on campus.
She also maintains the special education department’s online database of student accommodations on Aeries, generates a weekly schedule for the program and constantly communicates with staff and students to help arrange extra time or makeup tests.

The program caters to approximately 115 students each year and proctors a weekly average of between 100 to 170 assessments. TLC staff enforce the school’s academic integrity policy and have created numerous systems to keep testing materials and other confidential items safe while maintaining the primary goal of giving students the support they need to succeed.

“I am so happy that so many of our students continue to opt to use the service,” Dailey said. “It is a reflection on the program and the staff that kids keep wanting to come to test with us and that they feel that the program is really helping them to succeed in their courses.”