What did IDEA 97 require regarding the assessment of all students?

The requirement that IDEA 97 established regarding the assessment of all students emphasizes the inclusion of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in standardized assessments. This inclusion is crucial as it affirms the principle that students with disabilities should participate in the same educational assessments as their peers, promoting accountability and providing a clearer understanding of their academic progress.

By mandating the assessment of students with IEPs, IDEA 97 sought to ensure that these students are not excluded from academic evaluations that reflect their learning and achievement, allowing for more equitable educational opportunities. This approach encourages educators and schools to adapt assessments to accommodate diverse needs while still maintaining a standardized measure of progress.

In contrast, other options present approaches that either exclude or overly simplify the requirements for assessing students with disabilities, which does not align with the intentions of IDEA 97 to enhance inclusivity and accountability in education.