The U.S. Department of Education has announced that states will no longer be allowed to administer tests to students with disabilities that are based on modified academic achievement standards. Previously, states were allowed to count up to 2 percent of all students as proficient under the No Child Left Behind Act for taking such exams.
The policy shift is intended to ensure that students with disabilities who are capable of meeting more rigorous general education standards are not shortchanged.
Research shows many students with disabilities can achieve grade-level standards when provided appropriate instruction, services, and supports. Nearly all states have implemented new standardized tests designed to facilitate valid, reliable, and fair assessment of most students, including students with disabilities who previously took an alternate assessment.
Despite the change, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities — as many as 10 percent of all students in special education — will still be allowed to take tests based on alternate academic achievement standards. The new rule took effect in September. States still using modified standards and assessments will have one year to phase them out.
.