Standardized Testing and Accountability Pressures

Texas emphasizes standardized testing as a measure of school performance, which can place undue pressure on special needs students. Schools with fewer resources often lack alternative testing accommodations or customized curricula, which may lead to unrealistic expectations and stress for special needs students and their families. This often fails to account for individualized learning needs.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) finds that standardized testing can be particularly challenging for students with disabilities, as the tests often lack alignment with their learning needs. Without proper accommodations, students may face stress and reduced performance potential.

Texas Education Agency (TEA) allows accommodations, but they may not fully cover unique needs in underfunded districts, increasing pressures on special needs students. Groups like Disability Rights Texas advocate for more comprehensive accommodations.

Education Week and Texas Tribune note that accountability pressures linked to test scores often prevent schools from investing in specialized support and alternative curricula, as standardized scores remain central to performance assessments.

see ... National Center for Learning Disabilities (ncld.org)

Education Week - K-12 education news and information (edweek.org)

The Texas Tribune