What is the primary purpose of educational testing for students with disabilities?

The primary purpose of educational testing for students with disabilities is to establish a baseline for future academic growth. This involves assessing a student's current skills and abilities to identify strengths and areas in need of improvement. By understanding where a student starts, educators can tailor instructional strategies and set achievable goals that promote progress.

This baseline data is crucial as it enables the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), ensuring that the educational approaches are aligned with the student's specific needs. Monitoring progress over time against this baseline helps educators make informed decisions about instruction, interventions, and resources necessary for the student to succeed academically.

While establishing eligibility for services or comparing performance to peers are important aspects of the educational framework, the key focus of testing is on assessing current academic levels to support growth. Evaluating social interactions and emotional health, while valuable in a broader context, is not the primary aim of educational testing within an academic setting.