Participation Matters: Talking Points for SEA Policymakers

Statewide assessments are a vital tool for state- and district-wide improvement, providing a broad picture of student performance to inform critical decisions regarding policy and resource allocation. Participation matters because when students with disabilities are excluded from these assessments, the resulting data is incomplete, making it difficult to accurately determine which schools require support or which programs are truly successful.

The Participation Matters series provides talking points and resources designed to help state directors, staff, and policymakers communicate the importance of inclusive assessment systems to stakeholders. These resources clarify federal mandates under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while highlighting how participation benefits students, families, and school districts. By using these tools, state leaders can better advocate for the accurate data collection necessary to represent the achievement of all students.