Most students with disabilities participate in state assessments with or without accommodations [based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)]. A small number of students with the most severe or profound intellectual disabilities participate in an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). Until…

The Developmental Disabilities Act provides funds to State Developmental Disabilities Councils to formulate comprehensive systems of services, supports, and other assistance. The act also supports protection and advocacy systems to protect legal rights, university-affiliated programs to provide preservice preparation, and national initiatives to…

Discusses the participation of students with disabilities on the Stanford Achievement Test in West Virginia and the testing guidelines and testing Accommodations used. The effects of the inclusion of students with disabilities on class standings and teacher attitudes towards the participation of students with disabilities are addressed. (CR)

Examines nationally collected data on the placement rates of students with disabilities across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Results indicate that some states have made significant progress toward serving students with disabilities in less restrictive settings, whereas others have made very little progress. (CR)

Highlights specific questions, concerns, and challenges faced by educators, parents, and students concerning assessment, accountability, accommodations, and alternate assessment. Examples of state assessment-accommodation policies are provided and reasons for providing test accommodations, requirements of Individualized Education Programs,…