Assistive Technology- Reading

The longer I teach the more I have realized that the Biology SOL is really a reading test. This past year I taught 4 collaborative biology classes and I really watched my kids struggle on reading the test and what the questions are actually asking them to answer. To help combat this problem and to get the kids used to these type of questions I added released SOL questions to everyone one of my tests throughout the year. I found that this helped all my students, but especially those who had a reading disability. I unfortunately think that as a teacher you have to test each students scientific knowledge even if they have trouble reading. You can aid those students who struggle by offering small group testing or read aloud. Also, to combat student struggles with tests, I offer other ways for a student to show that they understand the material. This is either through labs or projects. Not everyone can prove their knowledge on a topic through tests, this allows those students to demonstrate scientific knowledge through a hands on means.