In Texas, students with disabilities are included in statewide assessments with appropriate accommodations and have the option of participating in an alternate assessment if necessary. Here are the key points regarding these policies:
Statewide Assessments
Standardized Testing Participation: All students, including those with disabilities, are expected to participate in statewide assessments such as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The IDEA mandates that schools provide necessary accommodations to ensure that these students can participate fairly and accurately in these assessments. Accommodations might include extended time, different test formats, or the provision of assistive technology.
Accommodations: These are changes that allow students with disabilities to access the test content without altering the test's difficulty level. Accommodations might include having questions read aloud, providing answers orally, or using larger print formats. The specific accommodations are determined by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and must be used consistently during both instruction and assessments (Texas Education Agency) (Partners Resource Network).
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