High Stakes Testing and Students with Learning Disabilities: Factors of Passing and Failing the Virginia Standards of Learning Tests

by Paul J. Gerber (January 2005)

In the era of high stakes testing there are questions about the performance of students with learning disabilities. Passing or failing the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in Virginia Can be the difference between ultimately obtaining a regular diploma, modified diploma, or a certificate of completion. This study analyzed the performance of middle school students with learning disabilities to ascertain why some students passed the Virginia SOL tests and others failed. Student failure was attributed to two main trends in the data. First, was a significant pattern of inconsistency in program planning. Second, was a systemic set of problems in the delivery of educational services. Students passed the SOL tests largely because of their ability to read proficiently. Typically, these were students who did not have reading as their learning disability. Recommendations are included apropos to the study findings.

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