Feds want to end alternative testing for students with disabilities

{mosads}“We have to expect the very best from our students and tell the truth about student performance, to prepare them for college and career,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement. “That means no longer allowing the achievement of students with disabilities to be measured by these alternate assessments aligned to modified achievement standards. This prevents these students from reaching their full potential, and prevents our country from benefitting from that potential.”

Disability advocates have tended to oppose the 2 percent rule, claiming that it lets schools ignore students in special education programs.

The proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on Friday, gives states already administering the different tests one more year to use them as a “transitional measure.” After the 2013-2014 school year, schools will not be able to offer the alternative tests.