Education Reform: What Does It Mean for Students with Disabilities?

Overview & Synopsis

This publication discusses education reform and the movement toward standards and assessments and its impact on students with disabilities. It is designed to provide parents with information about changes in assessment and graduation criteria, and assist parents in investigating the changes happening in their districts and states. Different sections address: (1) the impetus for assessing the outcomes of education; (2) how students with disabilities will participate in assessments; (3) testing accommodations; (4) who makes the assessment decisions; and (5) how assessments will affect a student's education. Suggested questions about assessment and graduation are provided that parents can ask to help them in planning their child's educational program and in participating as an Individualized Education Program team member. The publication closes with a summary of federal laws containing language addressing education reform and assessments. (CR)