Standards-based reforms and their assessment programs have led to noteworthy improvements in educational
opportunity for students through the alignment of educational practice to
desirable educational outcomes. Yet, there are continuing challenges to
ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, share in these
benefits. Researchers must be able to inform policymakers and practitioners, as well as parents and advocates, about effective practices to include
students with special needs in standards-based instruction and assessments. Research has demonstrated that the percentage of students with disabilities taking the assessments either through traditional means or through
alternative assessments has been steadily increasing (Thompson &
Thurlow, 2001). Yet, additional questions need to be addressed.