Classroom Assessments/Curriculum-Based Assessments

Classroom assessments (also known as curriculum-based assessments) occur relatively frequently. They are given to assess a student's mastery of a specific topic which has been studied at school. For example, your child will have math quizzes and tests periodically through the school year as he or she progresses through the math curriculum. Tests and quizzes are only two forms of assessments, however. Projects or presentations may also be ways of determining if your child has mastered assigned content.

If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, your child's team will determine if your child needs accommodations for or modifications to classroom assessments. Examples of accommodations that may benefit some students on the autism spectrum are:

• More time to take tests and quizzes
• Having instructions read aloud
• Taking the test in a quiet location away from the rest of the class
• Giving verbal responses rather than written
• Using a calculator, computer, or another form of assistive technology
• Doing an alternate assessment such as a project instead of an essay