Georgia

When are students tested? 1 
Kindergarten
3rd grade
5th grade
8th grade
11th grade
12th grade

What subjects are tested? 1
Language Arts
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

What types of questions are used? 1
Multiple choice
Short written response
Extended written response
Performance tasks

How are test results used? 1
High school graduation (exit requirement)
Student diagnosis
Student placement
Identification of students at risk
Curriculum planning
Improvement of instruction
Program evaluation
School performance reporting

What tests are used? 1
Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program
Curriculum-Based Assessments (grades 3, 5, 8)
Norm-referenced testing (grades 3, 5, 8, 11)
Writing assessment (grades 3, 5, 8)
Georgia High School Graduation Tests (grades 11, 12)

Are students with disabilities exempt? 2, 3
Exemptions given to students whose IEP teams determine that tests are not appropriate.
Exemptions given to students whose IEP teams determine that the student will work towards a
special education diploma.
Alternate means of assessment for exempt students are identified by the IEP team.

What accommodations are available so that students with disabilities can participate? 2
A suggested list of appropriate accommodations and modifications is provided by state Department of Education.
Individual test manufacturers also list accommodations for determining standard or nonstandard administration.
Accommodations are consistent with those identified by the IEP or IAP (504 students) team for instructional purposes.

How are scores of students with disabilities reported? 2
Norm-referenced tests - School, district, and statewide reports separate ("disaggregate") scores of students taking a non-standard version.
Graduation tests - School, district, and statewide reports combine ("aggregate") scores of students with and without disabilities who take the test.
State has the ability to disaggregate also.
 
 
Footnotes:

1 Source: PEER Project Survey to expand and update information from Annual Survey of State Student Assessment Programs: Data on 1995-96 Statewide Student Assessment Programs. (Fall 1996). Council of Chief State School Officers.

2 Source: PEER Project review of state policy documents. Documents provided by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO). Information confirmed and updated by the PEER Project through direct communication with state officials.

3 NOTE: The IDEA Amendments of 1997 require that all students be included in statewide assessments.


Georgia Department of Education
Division for Exceptional Students
1870 Twin Towers East
Atlanta, GA 30334-5040
404-656-3963
404-656-2446 Help Desk
404-651-6457 Fax
www.doe.k12.ga.us
Contact: P. Paulette Bragg, Director of Special Education
Catherine Riggs, Secretary to the Director
criggs@gadoe.gac.peachnet.edu
Robert Bellamy, State Assessment Director
 

Georgia Parent Center on Disability
Parents Educating Parents and Professionals for All Children (PEPPAC)
8318 Durelee Lane, Ste 101
Douglasville, GA 30134
770-577-7771
770-577-7774 Fax
PEPPAC@aol.com
Contact: Linda Shepard
 
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