Will there be any PSSA changes for special needs students?

In early 2007, the United States Department of Education authorized modified academic standards to be written by individual states for students who have disabilities and cannot reach the academic standards typically required. A new standardized test would be implemented that relied on these standards. (U.S. Department of Education, May 2007) This test would be a “middle ground” between the PSSA and the PASA. (Recall the PASA is the test that might be taken by a student with severe cognitive issues.).

In Pennsylvania, there is, to date, no modified standards for students who have disabilities. However, sources within the PA Department of Education have confirmed that work has begun on modified standards and the completion of this is expected in three years.