Even though some kids are not able to function in "mainstream" classrooms, they are frequently still making academic progress. (My son, and several others in his class, fall into this category.)

Even though my son and his friends are behind academically, they are not as far behind as people might think after watching them struggle to sit still for 30 seconds.

The tests, for these kids, are mostly just a way of measuring the school. It is not a great metric, but schools need all the metrics they can get.

Im in CA and received only global responses to why my child should participate in state-wide testing. I do know state testing is mandated and is one of the foundations districts use to requests grants and other funds. Unfortunately, that's the main push. IEP teams do not use the test results in developing an IEP. If that were true, the majority of our children would not be reading so very far below grade level. Districts also tend to use state testing results, no matter how modified, to support our children do not have the capacity to learn. Still, not participating supports the district's stance of uncooperative parenting.

Be aware, also, many special ed teachers are not specifically credentialed to teach our children to read. Various methodologies are used, but none are individualized - which is essential for our children.

Is that an answer? I hope it was useful in encouraging you not to give up - ever - in advocating for your child. Knowledge is power and it only takes one of us to open the door for many.

In CA, kids do not have to take the STAR test; parents can opt them out. The STAR is strictly for the school and has no real bearing on the child's academics. We opted our son out of the test last year because he had such a hard time sitting for it. Check and see which tests are mandatory to graduate, and which are just so the school can get their rating from the state. I have heard though that having the test results can be a good marker of your child's progress (I may have read that here somewhere!)

My sons school (we are in Georgia) submits a packet of his " average to best" work for the year to the state. They evaluate this packet and send it back with a score based on what he is doing compared to last year. I agree that what they are doing is not nearly grade level, my son is 14 and has no math skills what so ever except for being able to count. I see no purpose in trying to have them take a test that he probably cant even comprehend on his own, even with help this is still knowledge they do not have yet. Try researching your states testing options, I did not know that we even had the option to send in his work instead of an actual test until we started middle school and were put in a proper program for special needs. His elementary school did the standardized testing with help and it was very agonizing for him.

My oldest has autism. He is in 8th grade and does the STAR exam (every student has to take the STAR exam) Students that are in Special Ed take the exam on their own away from the other students. They take the same exam but with help. My oldest scores higher than the "normal" student. It really depends on who's the teacher.