Making Determinations

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Evaluation Systems reviews requests for alternative testing arrangements individually upon receipt to determine if the request and supporting documentation are complete and that any required tests and diagnostic documentation are current (see Documentation Currency Policy ). Evaluation Systems also reviews documentation to determine that it supports the requested alternative testing arrangement(s) and that the requested alternative testing arrangement(s) are reasonable in the context of the selected MTEL test and do not fundamentally alter the nature of the test. Please be aware that your request form and supporting documentation may be shared with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to process your request. The documentation will be kept confidential to the extent required by law. Evaluation Systems may grant or deny all or some of the requested alternative testing arrangements. Evaluation Systems will notify you in writing as to whether your requested alternative testing arrangement(s) can be provided for the requested test date and test center.

In certain cases, your requested alternative testing arrangements may be granted, but they may not be able to be accommodated at the test location of your choice or on the test date you requested. In such a case, an Evaluation Systems representative may contact you to discuss suitable testing arrangements. You will be given the choice of taking the test with alternative testing arrangement(s) at an alternative test center, taking the test without alternative testing arrangement(s) at the requested test center, applying your test fee to a future test date, or receiving a refund.

Denied Requests

Evaluation Systems may deny your request for alternative testing arrangements if (1) the documentation does not support the request for alternative testing arrangements or (2) the requested alternative testing arrangement(s) fundamentally alter the nature of the test or (3) the requested alternative testing arrangement(s) are not reasonable. If your request is denied, you will be notified in writing and provided with the reason for the denial.

If your request is returned to you unprocessed or denied, Evaluation Systems will contact you and will offer you the opportunity to take the test on the date requested without all or some of the requested alternative testing arrangements. Or you may provide additional supporting documentation and/or information to Evaluation Systems in support of your request, and you may request that your test fee be applied to a future test date.

Process for Submitting a Request for a Review of Decision

You may request a review of the denial of some or all of your requests for alternative testing arrangements. Before you submit your request, it is suggested that you review the Alternative Testing Arrangements and Submission Requirements. This section describes the documentation requirements for different types of alternative testing arrangements requests. If after reviewing the information in this section you still wish to proceed with a request for a review of the decision, you may do so by submitting your request, in writing, to:

Alternative Testing Arrangements Coordinator
MTEL Program
Evaluation Systems
Pearson
300 Venture Way
Hadley, MA 01035

Telephone: (866) 565-4894 (toll free, US and Canada only)

The request for review should include the following information:

• Your name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number
• The date of the request
• The date of the test upon which the request for review is based
• Any documentation, in addition to the documentation that you submitted with your Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, that supports your alternative testing arrangements requests
• A brief summary of the reasons why your alternative testing arrangements requests should be granted
• Your signature

Your request for review should be submitted as soon as possible. Please be advised that a review may take up to 30 calendar days to resolve. If you schedule your test appointment before the review is resolved and the reviewed alternative testing arrangement is later granted, you will be scheduled for a test appointment without your approved alternative testing arrangements.

After your request for review is processed, you will be notified as to whether your request has been granted or denied. All requests for review determinations are subject to the approval of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and all determinations are final.