Testing Students with Disabilities: Practical Strategies for Complying with District and State Requirements . - 2nd ed - book review

Adolescence, Spring, 2003

THURLOW, Martha L., ELLIOTT, Judy L., & YSSELDYKE, James E. Testing Students with Disabilities: Practical Strategies for Complying with District and State Requirements (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2003. 344pp. $74.95 (h), $34.95 (p).

An increased focus on educational accountability and testing, coupled with mandates put forth in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), make it crucial that every district and school professional is well versed in meeting the assessment requirements for all students. The enhanced second edition of Testing Students With Disabilities covers everything from maximizing the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and fostering successful collaboration among educators, administrators, and parents to optimizing assessment accommodations and using test scores to improve instruction. Other new and expanded topics include: requirements of IDEA and ESEA; students with disabilities who are English Language Learners; electronic and online testing; alternate assessments; use of assessment results; and access to the general curriculum. This guide offers the specific tactics, concrete examples, and user-friendly information necessary to effectively and mea ningfully include students with disabilities in district and state assessment systems. It features an array of indispensable tools, such as reproducible forms, checklists, handouts, and overheads; a comprehensive list of national and regional technical assistance and dissemination networks; and techniques for conducting staff development.