Designed for parents and family members of students with disabilities, this policy statement clarifies federal requirements for including children with disabilities in state and district-side assessment programs. Information is presented in a question-and-answer format that addresses: (1) requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for including children with disabilities in assessments; (2) how participation in assessment programs benefits children with disabilities; (3) parental permission for student participation in state and local assessment programs; (4) the role of the Individualized Education Program team in state or district-wide assessments; (5) accommodations and modifications for test administration; (6) alternate assessments for students with disabilities who cannot participate in state or district-wide assessments; (7) consequences of decisions about accommodations and modifications in assessments; and (8) how results of assessments are supposed to be reported and used. (CR)