323 Preserving the Test’s Effectiveness as a Measurement Tool

Handbook EL-307 - Reasonable Accommodation, An Interactive Process - Contents 323 Preserving the Test’s Effectiveness as a Measurement Tool The Postal Service designed tests and other selection procedures t..." /> Handbook EL-307 - Reasonable Accommodation, An Interactive Process - Contents 323 Preserving the Test’s Effectiveness as a Measurement Tool The Postal Service designed tests and other selection procedures t..." />

323 Preserving the Test’s Effectiveness as a Measurement Tool

The Postal Service designed tests and other selection procedures to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to learn or perform a job. Therefore, if the proposed accommodation fundamentally alters what you are assessing, the Postal Service will not change the test or method of administration.

For example, an extension of time is frequently proposed as a testing accommodation. If the test is intended to measure performance speed, then it is not appropriate to allow more time. Such an accommodation would render the test score useless as an indicator of true ability when compared to the scores of those who took the test under stricter time limits.