NCEO Reports: A Historical Review of Alternate Assessment and 1% Cap (#450)

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Part of the NCEO Reports series.

Author(s)

Martha L Thurlow, Kathy J Strunk, Andrew R Hinkle, Kristin K Liu PhD

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Cost:

Free

Description

The history of alternate assessments and the 1.0 percent participation cap on state-level participation rates is deeply rooted in federal education legislation. From 1994 to 2025, federal legislation, regulations, and Department of Education guidance to states aimed to ensure that all students, including those with the most significant cognitive disabilities, are included in state accountability systems while maintaining appropriate standards and oversight. This report traces this policy history and the ways in which states have responded through evolving practices, waivers, and compliance strategies. We provide a list of resources, many of which were developed by NCEO, that can help educators implement the federal requirements of the 1.0 percent cap rule.

Details

Date

October 2025 

Type

Report 

Edition

Number 450

Publisher

National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO)