Should students diagnosed with ADHD get extra time to take tests?

[Riprorin]

It seems to me that ADHD is affirmative action for white, educated, affluent types.

 

[Ketteringo]

No. Then it isnt really a fair test. A person's grade should reflect their ability.

 

[alkemyst]

I wanted to add something about the whole 'making fun of the handicapped' thing that if ADHD/etc were forced to be labeled publicly and in different classes they'd be made fun of.

It's hard to say what the public's perception of them would be....I don't see them as one that would have much to make fun of, but who knows. It's true if they had to be grouped with other 'special' students that may open up the floodgates to more insult.

However, again that is life. Even as an adult people pick on others due to handicaps. In college there was a black, deaf girl taking Computer Engineering....she did well....she was allowed to record lectures always, and many professors had a recording ban.

People made fun of her, it's something that happens....these were mostly upper classmen (21+ in age) yet acted like 1st graders. She was mostly outcast in groups.

Again I am sure she wishes she was not born a certain way...however that's not going to change her current status.

Å

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I know for a fact if you're diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and seek help through your school's health center you are able to get more time on a test.

I'm of definite mixed emotions about that... On one hand, people who truly have it may indeed need special treatment. On the other hand, I have a feeling that ADD and ADHD are vastly over-diagnosed.

Agreed. A children's psychology columnist indicated that a majority of these cases stem from too many parents simply not wanting to discipline kids properly, and so they develop intolerant behaviors, unable to deal with stresses such as schoolwork. So they are taken to a doctor, and given drugs to tame them down. I was raised with the belief that, you go to school and do the work; there is no other option. Kids too often nowadays are given a choice - "do the work or don't, I don't care. Just leave me alone." They're not mature enough yet to make the right decision, and so shouldn't be given the option.
- Rant ended.