Registration for September 2014 - Feb 2015 LSATs is Now Open Forum

[LSAT Blog]

Just in case you haven't registered since LSAC recently opened the floodgates, do it now. Test centers fill up quickly, and you don't want to be stuck traveling far the day before or morning of.

http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/test-dates-deadlines

[NYSprague]

Should also point out that new rules for accommodations should be in effect for September.
That means no flagging of scores. Fairly automatic approval for the same accommodations as you may have had on other standardized testing. If you weren't previously given accommodations on other standardized exams, there will be a new procedure in place.

A new email address is going to be set up for accommodation requests.

Keep watching the site or ask LSAC for details.

If you requested accommodations in the past, you may be entitled to payment as the result of the class action against LSAC. There are some restrictions on dates.

Again, keep watching the site, but these changes have already been announced and are just waiting for the judge's signature.

[Jeffort]

Should also point out that new rules for accommodations should be in effect for September.
That means no flagging of scores. Fairly automatic approval for the same accommodations as you may have had on other standardized testing. If you weren't previously given accommodations on other standardized exams, there will be a new procedure in place.

A new email address is going to be set up for accommodation requests.

Keep watching the site or ask LSAC for details.

If you requested accommodations in the past, you may be entitled to payment as the result of the class action against LSAC. There are some restrictions on dates.

Again, keep watching the site, but these changes have already been announced and are just waiting for the judge's signature.

You should actually read the settle agreement before you make blanket claims like this.

--LinkRemoved--

Some of the changes take effect sooner and some later. Many of the changes will not affect the September administration but some will.

There is a committee that must be appointed and then a process that must happen with things it has to do to come up with the 'new' best practices rules LSAC will follow in the future for handling special accommodation requests. The committee has six months AFTER it is created to come up with the new 'best practices' rules and procedures LSAC will then have to abide by when reviewing requests for special accommodations.

So, in short, some of the new 'rules' about applying for special accoms don't apply to the September test, partly because they haven't even been written yet and the committee of five people that is going to write them hasn't been selected/created yet. The rule about no more flagging takes effect sooner but many of the other big changes are at least six months down the road minimum, per the terms of the agreement.

Process. The Panel shall complete its written report within six (6) months after the fifth Panel member has been appointed in accordance with Paragraph 7(a). Upon agreement of the Parties, the Panel may be granted additional time if necessary to complete its report. Except as otherwise explicitly stated in this Decree, LSAC is not required by this Decree to implement changes to its policies or forms prior to the Panel’s completion of its written report.

Some of the provisions take effect sooner:

The provisions of Paragraph 5, including any changes to LSAC’s policies or practices required by Paragraph 5, shall be implemented for the next administration of the LSAT following entry of this Decree by the Court (“Effective Date”). However, if the next administration of the LSAT is less than two months away from the Effective Date, LSAC shall implement the changes for the second administration of the LSAT following the Effective Date of this Decree.

[NYSprague]

I read the consent agreement several times, probably more than anyone else on this site. I'm not sure you understood exactly how it breaks down.
There are several parts: flagging - done. permanent injunction, should stop for the June results.

Previous test accommadations- completely separate from the panel, from what I recall, and I don't see anything saying it won't start on the effective date.I recall that is a separate provision. Very clear directions of how to establish your past accommodations and current need for them is spelled out. That seems to be outside of the timeline/ control of the best practices panel.

Other streamlined process tof where to send your email and reduced reporting, I think starts right away, or within a reasonable time. The language to be added to the LSAC website us pretty specific and doesn't seem to require the panel.

The requirement for reasonable requests for documentation, and deference to treating doctors reports, and not requiring medication, I don't think that is subject to the panel.

The panel is for people who haven't been accommodated yet in previous exams. But LSAC isn't running business as usual until the panel completes its recommendations. There are clear indications of what changes need to be implemented.

I know the draft settlement agreement changed after I posted this post and I haven't had a chance to do more than skim it.


Sorry if I wasn't clear.

[NYSprague]

Just to bump to add the consent decree is in effect.

Someone posted that LSAC will update their website by the end of June.

Changes that are in effect now:
1. No flagging (starts with June)
2. Equal accommodation granted to those given on previous standardized exams: GRE, MCAT, (whatever the dental one is), SAT, ACT and GED.
3. Only people who haven't been accommodated on previous exams or who want different accommodations have to go through a process.
4. The process has yet to be finalized, but a good deal of guidance on procedures is in the consent decree. You do not have to take medication for any assessment and failure to take it does not have to be explained.
5. LSAC will not be making an independent determination of disability, they are to determine accommodations only.
6. If you applied under the old rules, you can reapply, but you have to pay the fee.
7. If you applied you may be entitled to some money from the class action (which has not been setup yet.)