| The Ohio Schools are redefining their Special | | | | school policy to require students with disabilities to |
| Education program and closing the gap in the | | | | participate in state assessment. Now, content |
| achievement of students with disabilities. The Ohio | | | | standards are the focus of instruction for all students in |
| schools believe that achievement gaps are not the | | | | every classroom, and a variety of research-based |
| same as ability gaps, and the education system is | | | | instructional strategies are aligned with the content |
| responsible for ensuring that high achievement is an | | | | standards. A coherent array of interventions, supports |
| attainable goal for all students. Furthermore, the Ohio | | | | and services are used to ensure the success of |
| schools has put forth that meaningful participation of | | | | students with disabilities. The policy now is that |
| students with disabilities in state assessment is | | | | assessment is a reflection of instruction and instruction |
| absolutely essential if every child is to be assured | | | | is a reflection of assessment, creating a shared |
| access to challenging curriculum and appropriate | | | | responsibility for the education of students with |
| instruction.In 2001, the Ohio schools made a major shift | | | | disabilities. |
| in approaching students with disabilities by revising | | | | |