News Briefs
Baltimore debates need for state testing of special ed students
Nov 1, 2007 4:23 PM
With thousands of special-education students in Maryland high schools failing the state’s graduation exams, parents and advocates are debating whether all students should still be required to pass high school assessments in English, algebra, biology and American government before graduating. While two out of three students do pass the exams, just one in three of the 30,000 special-education students in Maryland high schools is expected to do so.
The sides divide between those who believe the tests are not fair and minimize how a student does in classes. Supporters say the tests force school systems to push special-education students to higher levels.
The state school board is considering whether to continue the current policy of requiring the tests, to delay the requirement, to give some students exemptions or to offer an alternative test to groups such as special-education students and English language learners. Other options: allowing students to do a senior project instead, to take a modified test or to obtain a waiver.
About 12 percent of the state’s 800,000 K-12 public school students are in special education.
Baltimore Sun, Oct. 22
