Including the Disabled in Accountability.

With the changes in the Executive Branch, NCLB will change, but how?  The Eduguru is continuing a series of blogs on the problems opponents have had with NCLB and what they might or should do about them now. 

The second is a touchy one:  Inclusion of the Disabled.

NCLB required that the disabled students be included in the accountability process.  Much delight was expressed by the parents of those students who before had been excluded from accountability processes and now have the extreme attention of educators who see many of their schools being designated low performing only because the special education student subgroup did not meet adequate yearly progress (AYP).

Relaxed guidance allowed more students to take alternative assessments.  All quota systems with a national percent cap are difficult to implement at the local level.  Local schools don’t all have a perfectly random sample of special education students matching the national numbers. 

The NCLB requirement that all students be tested on grade level impacts the special education students directly.  A grade level test may be frustrating with a preponderance of items that are too difficult for students performing below grade level. 

The challenge is how to include all students in the accountability system, but do it fairly. 

The EduGuru speaks:  The parents of special education students will rule this issue with a sympathetic new administration.  Look for special education to no longer be a subgroup (assuming the whole subgroup notion survives) with the same rules as others.  Look for Congress to give the Secretary and/or states more leeway, but ensure special education students are a part of the formula for accountability.