In fact, multiple purposes can drive a state to develop an assessment system. The law includes a provision for an alternate assessment in recognition of the fact that the general assessment might not be appropriate for every student. There was a recognition that a relatively small percentage of students would not be able to participate in a general assessment, even if provided accommodations or modifications. There still exists, however, a need to account for these students for the same purpose deemed important for assessing other students. In this regard, the purpose is for ensuring equity, i.e., that all children are accounted for in a statewide or district-wide assessment.
States can have multiple purposes for developing a statewide assessment system.
For some it is found in a need to demonstrate public accountability. That is, it provides feedback to the public as evidence that the public education system is achieving its purpose educating the children in the state. In other cases, the purpose is to provide information to schools so they can determine where improvements are needed. Some systems are being developed to include a determination of whether or not students are ready to graduate from high school. The purpose is defined by the state, and that same purpose should be driving the rationale and format for developing an alternate assessment as well.