National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News - News and Features

November 17, 1997

Legislative assistance

1997 Column No. 41NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.4.3
Nonstandard test administration for students with learning disabilities

NCAA Divisions I and II institutions should note that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.4.3, the Division I Academic/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet or the Division II Academic Requirements Committee may approve the use of scores achieved during a nonstandard administration of the SAT or ACT for students with learning disabilities. Students who take a nonstandard SAT or ACT still must achieve the minimum required test score; however, the test does not have to be administered on a national testing date.

During a October 20-21, 1997, meeting, the Division I Management Council and the Division II Academic Requirements Committee determined that effective for students first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 1998, nonstandard test scores will be accepted for those students who have documented their learning disability and have been confirmed by the NCAA to be eligible for accommodations for students with learning disabilities per Bylaws 14.3.1.3.1.1, 14.3.1.3.4 and 14.3.1.4.3. Therefore, submission of a copy of the application submitted to the testing service for the administration of the nonstandard test or a signed statement from the test administrator are no longer required.

Please note, however, that although a signed statement from the test administrator is no longer required, it remains impermissible for the ACT or SAT to be administered by a member of the athletics department at the high school or NCAA member institution.

To document a learning disability, it is necessary for a prospective student-athlete to submit the following information to the NCAA Learning Disabilities (LD) Services:

A signed copy of the professional diagnosis of the student's learning disability completed within the last three years;

Diagnostic test results used in assessing the student's learning disability;

A copy of the student's current Individualized Education Plan, Individual Transition Plan, 504 Plan or other statement relating to accommodations received as a student with a learning disability.

Please note that prospective student-athletes may obtain information regarding accommodations for students with learning disabilities by checking the designated box on the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Student Release Form. The information may also be obtained by contacting LD Services at the national office.

NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.3.1.1 - Students with learning disabilities

Division I institutions should note that pursuant to Bylaw 14.3.1.3.1.1, a student diagnosed with a learning disability is permitted to use all core courses completed prior to initial full-time enrollment at a collegiate institution. The determination as to whether courses taken at a high school are core courses shall be made on the basis of the 48-H confirmation statement issued to the high school at which the student completed the classes. Courses taken at a collegiate institution must be approved by the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet.

NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1.3.4 - Courses for students with disabilities.

NCAA Division I and II institutions should note that pursuant to Bylaw 14.3.1.3.4, the Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet and the Division II Academic Requirements Committee may approve the use of high-school courses for students with learning disabilities to fulfill the core-curriculum requirements if the high-school principal attests to the fact that students in such classes are expected to acquire the same knowledge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as students in other core courses. Students with disabilities still must complete the required core courses and achieve the minimum required grade-point average in this core curriculum.

This material was provided by the membership services staff as an aid to member institutions. If an institution has a question or comment regarding this column, such correspondence should be directed to Richard C. Perko or Kristen L. Davis, membership services representatives, at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the Collegiate Sports Network.