This report, released by the National Center for Special Education Research, summarizes the results of a survey conducted in three states of teachers who instruct students with significant cognitive disabilities. The survey examined the teacher's perspective on the implementation of alternative assessments for these students. The report describes the teacher’s evaluation of the availability and use of instructional resources for alternative assessments, and the impact the alternative assessments have on their students' opportunity to learn.
Some of the results of the survey include:
- 90% of teachers reported that teaching academic standards versus students' other skill areas was a large or moderate challenge
- 95% of teachers strongly agreed or agreed that they understand the alternate assessment process, but only 70% of teachers strongly agreed or agreed that they have adequate resources to conduct the alternate assessment
- 43% of teachers strongly agreed or agreed that students with significant cognitive disabilities can meet the expectations set by the state
- 88% of teachers reported that state alternate assessment requirements had a strong or moderate influence on their instruction in reading/English language arts and mathematics, while 84% of teachers reported the same strong or moderate influence on their instruction in science
To see the full results of the survey, please go to: http://ies.ed.gov/ncser/pubs/20103007/