IDEA now requires that all students participate in statewide and district assessments.
The majority of students receiving special education services will participate in LEAP 21. Louisiana school systems were strongly encouraged to submit a Transition Assurance Plan to the Louisiana Department of Education. The remaining students are to participate in Alternate Assessment. The Alternate Assessment must be in place by July 1, 2000. Many educators, families, and students have been isolated in special education and have not had exposure to the breadth and depth of the general education curriculum.