Often standards that offer the greatest promise for educational reform, raise the greatest concern for individual students with learning disabilities. Thoughtful questions need to be asked about many areas in which there are proposed changes in standards. High school graduation standards. Similarly, basic and vocational classes such as consumer mathematics and slower paced regular classes that are awarded Carnegie units are being phased out because they are less challenging or the teachers are needed to teach more advanced classes. High school competency testing.
Some states use a passing score on a competency or exit exam as a graduation requirement.
While some modifications are permitted, others may not be allowed. Some newer examination formats claim to test reading by asking for a paragraph-length written response. Reporting standardized test results. Sometimes students with disabilities are actively discouraged from participating in testing because lower group scores may result. In other situations, students with disabilities are required to participate in testing which may be frustrating and self-defeating even when accommodations are provided.