New testing standards for mentally impaired students

Source: Sun-Sentinel

One FCAT milestone in recent years was when some of the exam scores of students with various disabilities began counting toward school letter grades.

Another significant testing hurdle involving the special needs population is coming in March. That's when schools will begin administering a new Florida Alternate Assessment for children in grades 3-11 with the most severe mental impairments.

Scores from this special assessment — designed for children classified by the state as profoundly mentally handicapped, among other disabilities — will likely count toward school grades in the 2009-10 school year.