Is out-of-level testing by States acceptable?
“Out-of-level testing” means assessing students in one grade level using versions of tests that were designed for students in other (usually lower) grade levels. Some States allow out-of-level testing in an effort to limit student frustration and provide appropriate assessment levels. Although IDEA does not specifically prohibit its use, out-of-level testing may be problematic for several reasons when used for accountability purposes. 34 CFR ยง300.137 requires that the performance goals for children with disabilities should be consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with other goals and standards for all children established by the State. The purpose is to maintain high expectations and provide coherent information about student attainment of the State’s content and student performance standards.
