AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN NATIONAL DATA-COLLECTION PROGRAMS

This investigation examined the extent to which students with disabili ties are involved in a select sample of national data collection progr ams that are playing a pivotal role in the measurement-driven educatio nal reform movement. Nine data collection programs that are receiving significant attention in current educational reform initiatives were r eviewed. The results suggest that approximately 40% to 50% of school-a ge students with disabilities are excluded from some of the most promi nent national educational data collection programs. In contrast, stude nts with disabilities are included to a greater degree in noneducation al data collection programs that do not require participation in direc t assessment activities. This study reports on the extent of exclusion , how and why exclusion occurs, and the impact of this exclusion on po licy research. Preliminary recommendations for addressing the signific ant exclusion of students with disabilities from certain national data collection programs are presented.