[IPAC-List] Test Anxiety and the ADA

[Spilberg, Shelley@POST]

The MLA issue aside, an accommodation that alters the fundamental purpose of a selection test to be reasonable.  Therefore, if you can demonstrate that the testing time limit is embedded in the purpose of the test, then extra time would not be required (however, the search for other more reasonable alternatives that may remove the obstacle caused by the impairment is).


Shelley Weiss Spilberg, Ph.D.
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
1601 Alhambra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 227-4824
Shelley.spilberg at post.ca.gov

From: Reindl, Kevin [mailto:K1RQ at pge.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 6:04 AM
To: Spilberg, Shelley at POST; <IPAC-List at ipacweb.org>
Subject: RE: [IPAC-List] Test Anxiety and the ADA

Thanks Shelley

I've seen the argument that working is considered a major life activity, and the case was made that since tests for licenses, certification, job applications/employment, etc. are required for a large proportion of jobs, then test taking can be considered a major life activity.

If the request was simply for testing in a quiet room, that would be easy, but the request is for additional time on a substantially speeded test.

From: Spilberg, Shelley at POST [mailto:Shelley.Spilberg at post.ca.gov]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2014 4:18 PM
To: Reindl, Kevin; <IPAC-List at ipacweb.org<mailto:IPAC-List at ipacweb.org>>
Subject: RE: [IPAC-List] Test Anxiety and the ADA

I don't believe that taking tests per se would be considered a major life activity; therefore, I question whether this must be accommodated (even if verified by a health professional).  What type of accommodation is being requested? If it would be easy to implement (e.g., quiet room, perhaps) you might consider providing it regardless.

Shelley Weiss Spilberg, Ph.D.
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
1601 Alhambra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 227-4824
Shelley.spilberg at post.ca.gov<mailto:Shelley.spilberg at post.ca.gov>

From: Reindl, Kevin [mailto:K1RQ at pge.com]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2014 3:36 PM
To: <IPAC-List at ipacweb.org<mailto:IPAC-List at ipacweb.org>>
Subject: [IPAC-List] Test Anxiety and the ADA

Does anyone have any resources describing the current state of Test Anxiety as an ADA-covered disability? Any relevant documents/interpretive guidelines or case law that might help?

It's been a while since I received a request for accommodation for test anxiety...

Thanks in advance.

Kevin Reindl
Pacific Gas & Electric
Human Resources
HR Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness
245 Market Street, N2J
San Francisco, CA 94105
Office: 415-973-7013
Mobile: 619-322-3368
k1rq at pge.com<mailto:k1rq at pge.com>



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