All About Educational Assessments
Introduction
All students participate in assessments every day. The term assessment refers to how schools measure what students know and can do. Teachers and students use assessments every day in the classroom. Assessments include everything from classroom discussions to standardized tests. Results of assessments are used to make instructional decisions and a whole lot more.
Students with disabilities participate in statewide assessments or tests with their peers. These tests evaluate student learning of state academic standards. IDEA requires states to include students with disabilities in general assessments with accommodations if needed by the student, or an alternate assessment when appropriate. Accommodations and other assessment decisions are individually determined by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams. For more information on IEPs, visit our page Developing Your Child’s IEP.
Federal Law Impacting Assessment of Students with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that ensures children with disabilities in all states receive free appropriate public education (FAPE), special education, and related services. IDEA requires schools to provide individualized, specialized instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Visit CPIR’s page, Considering LRE in Placement Decisions for more information on LRE.
- IDEA requires states and districts to include students with disabilities in all state and district-wide tests.
- IDEA requires states to provide appropriate accommodations as described in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- IDEA requires states to provide alternate assessments for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
The US Department of Education provides details of IDEA on its website.
Impact on Parents and Families
Test results are key to parents and schools working together to support student success. Test results allow parents to monitor their child’s progress toward academic and life goals. Parents and families should be informed about which assessments their child will take and when to expect reports.
“Assessment is today’s means of modifying tomorrow’s instruction.”
~Carol Ann Tomlinson
What are Assessments?
Assessment refers to how schools gather evidence of student learning. Put more simply, assessment is when students show what they know and can do. Read more here.
How are decisions made about participation?
IDEA requires IEP teams to make decisions about assessment participation and accommodations. Read more here.
What can parents and families do?
IEP team meetings are designed to be collaborative, with parents and families being active members of the team. Read more here.
Which students should participate in alternate assessments?
An option for some students with the most significant cognitive disabilities is to take an alternate assessment. Read more here.
Where can parents and families get more information and support related to assessment?
There are many sources of help and support available to families including resources on the NCEO website and almost 100 Parent Centers. Read more here.
Featured Resource
Empowering Parents and Families to Make Informed Choices About Assessment
On Nov 19, 2025, Susan Barlow, Director of Special Projects at the Parent Network of Western New York and Virginia Ressa, PhD., Research Associate at the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) presented information on assessments for students with disabilities. Participants gained practical tools and strategies to help parents understand the purpose and types of assessments, make informed decisions, and ask thoughtful questions about available supports.
- Watch the webinar recording in English here or Spanish here.
- Access the PowerPoint presentation here.
The CPIR extends its gratitude to NCEO for reviewing and editing these pages on educational assessments to improve accessibility of the information. Their expertise, collaboration, and commitment were invaluable in creating this practical and reliable resource for families and professionals.
Page published, June 2026