FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which accommodation is NOT available for English Language Learners taking state-mandated exams?

1. The student can take the test in his or her native language

2. The student can use a bilingual dictionary

3. Extended time on the exam

4. Use of visual aids during the exam

The correct answer is: The student can take the test in his or her native language

The accommodation of taking a state-mandated exam in a student's native language is typically not available for English Language Learners. State-mandated assessments are designed to evaluate a student's knowledge and skills based on the state's learning standards, which usually means that the tests are administered in English. Offering the test in a student's native language could compromise the integrity of the assessment and does not align with the purpose of evaluating proficiency in English, especially as language skills are essential to understanding and responding to the content being tested. In contrast, the other accommodations—bilingual dictionaries, extended time, and visual aids—are generally accepted as they actively support students' understanding and ability to respond without altering the fundamental nature of the assessment. These accommodations exist to help English Language Learners access the content while still measuring their proficiency in English effectively.