In an effort to better measure the academic abilities of students with disabilities, Tennessee schools will debut new achievement tests this spring featuring more pictures and graphs.
The alternative tests will cover the standard grade-level curriculum, but will be given to students with autism, cognitive delays and other disabilities who may respond better to visual cues. The special exams will also have fewer questions and more white space than the traditional achievement tests given to third through eight grade students in the state each year.
Students will be identified to take a modified achievement test by their individualized education plan, or IEP, team.
The so-called Tennessee Comprehensive Achievement Program – Modified Academic Achievement Standard, or TCAP-MAAS, is a welcome option for parents who say that traditional standardized tests could not offer an accurate assessment of their child’s capabilities, reports the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. To read more click here.
