According to IDEA, how should students engage in statewide assessments?

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students, including those with disabilities, are required to participate in statewide assessments. The participation must occur with the necessary accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This ensures that students with disabilities have an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the same assessments as their peers, while still receiving the support they need to succeed.

The IEP should specify the appropriate accommodations, which may include, for instance, extended time, modifications to the testing environment, or the use of assistive technology. This approach aligns with the intent of IDEA to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and to promote inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of academic assessment. By allowing for accommodations based on the IEP, IDEA ensures that assessments are fair and accessible to all students, aiming to evaluate their true abilities rather than being hindered by their disabilities.