The federal government does not mandate testing of exceptional children. The mandate is that if states test other students, then they must test exceptional children as well and report these results as they do those of other students. The IEP team at the local level determines the type assessment that is used to gauge a student's progress and performance in a year. Individualized Education Program plans are developed for each child who is identified as meeting one of the 13 categories of disabilities. These plans are done yearly by a team made up of the child's parent or guardian, a principal or other school district representative, teachers and an individual who is skilled in interpreting student test results.
Charter schools are public schools so their students take the tests.
Private school and home school students are not required to take the state tests although many choose to participate. See information on the new Student Accountability Standards for more information on this question. Also, in high schools, students are retested on the computer skills and competency tests until they demonstrate proficiency. Students also will have retesting opportunities for the new exit exam when it is put in place. The State Board policy requires that, to the extent possible, all students with disabilities shall participate in the statewide student accountability standards for elementary, middle, and high school levels.