The first question to ask is whether the test is being given to children with disabilities at all. Federal law requires that, if a state chooses to impose an exit exam program or other large scale assessment, all children must be included. In some states, children with LD are allowed to take an alternate assessment or to pass the exit exam with a lower score. There are some states which offer more than one form of diploma, certificate or other exit credential, not all of which require a passing score on a high stakes exam.
States are on shaky legal ground if they try to push through high stakes exit exams too quickly.
Courts have found that 4 - 6 years may be an appropriate amount of lead time to give to students. Exit exams are supposed to measure how well children have learned what they have been taught in school, so states must be careful to limit their exit exams to material actually covered. There are various resources on the internet and elsewhere which can help you learn about your state's testing program. Don't be shy about contacting your state's department of education, either, or about trying to ensure that your child is being treated fairly under the law. Newsletter Copyright 1996-2001 WETA .