National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO)

The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) focuses on the inclusion of students with disabilities, including those who are also English learners, in instruction and assessments. The scope of NCEO’s work includes issues related to accessibility of assessments across the comprehensive assessment system including formative assessment practices, classroom-based assessments, diagnostic assessments, interim assessments, and summative assessments.

See our About page for more on NCEO.

Latest News and Publications

State Assessment Rates of Participation, Performance, and Assigned Accommodations of Students with Disabilities (2007–08 Through 2022–23) (NCEO Report 454)

State Assessment Rates of Participation, Performance, and Assigned Accommodations of Students with Disabilities (2007–08 Through 2022–23) (NCEO Report 454)

This report analyzes state Annual Performance Report (APR) assessment data for students with disabilities across all 50 U.S. states and 10 federal entities from 2007–08 through 2022–23. It tracks participation and performance trends in reading and mathematics for grades 3–8 and high school, specifically focusing on students with IEPs. Key data points include proficiency levels on general and alternate assessments (AA-AAAS) and the frequency of testing accommodations.

2022-2023 APR Snapshot 32: State Assessment Participation, Performance, and Assigned Accommodations for Students Receiving Special Education Services

2022-2023 APR Snapshot 32: State Assessment Participation, Performance, and Assigned Accommodations for Students Receiving Special Education Services

This report provides a snapshot of the participation and performance of grade 8 students receiving special education services on statewide reading/language arts and mathematics assessments for 2022-23. Data are presented for both general and alternate assessments (AA-AAAS), including an analysis of the 1% participation cap for alternate assessments using enrollment-based calculations.

A Summary of the Research on the Effects of K–12 Test Accommodations: 2024 (NCEO Report 453)

A Summary of the Research on the Effects of K–12 Test Accommodations: 2024 (NCEO Report 453)

This report summarizes research on testing accommodations for K–12 students with disabilities from 2024. The data shows a clear move toward qualitative studies of how schools use these tools, and what stakeholders think of them. This review provides key facts for experts who want to improve student support and testing.