Changes that allow a person with a disability to participate fully in an activity. In education, accommodations could include changes in the way instruction is presented or in the way students respond to instructions. Testing accommodations might include, for example, the use of readers and/or scribes, extended time for taking exams, or availabilit [..]

A systematic approach to gathering measurable data to determine whether teachers, administrators, schools, districts, and states are teaching students effectively and well. Methods include collecting data such as student achievement, performance, attendance, and dropout rates. Many accountability systems are linked to rewards and sanctions. Demonst [..]

Official recognition that an institution has met and maintains certain standards; official authorizations or approval.

To combine the scores of certain groups of students, such as students with disabilities, with the scores of the rest of the students when reporting large-scale assessment results.

Assessment the substitutes for a general state or district-wide assessment, intended for the small number of students with disabilities whose IEPs specify that the regular assessment would not be appropriate. These are students for whom the regular assessment, even with accommodations, provides insufficient opportunity to demonstrate their knowledg [..]

A broad term indicating assessment other than just paper and pencil or multiple-choice tests, e.g., performance, portfolios (collections of students’ work), and reviews of records. Sometimes the terms "alternate" and "alternative" are used interchangeably.

Test, observation, interview, or other strategy used to measure ability, achievement, or mastery in a specific subject against a set of standards or against others’ performance. In special education, assessment also refers to data and information gathered to ascertain a student’s aptitudes, areas of need, eligibility and recommend [..]

According to IDEA, an assitive technology device is a "device, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability." Assistive technology service is a "service that helps a person with a disability select, acquire, or use an assistive technolog [..]

Performance test where a student demonstrates his or her understanding through an activity or by solving a real-life problem.

A group established to assess whether a specific test or test item disfavors or is prejudiced against a particular group. In the past, bias committees typically have not included individuals knowledgeable about disabilities, but instead have focused primarily on race, culture, and gender issues.