The Importance of State Testing: What Parents Need to Know

State testing season can be a stressful time for both students and parents, especially for children with IEPs. While standardized tests are meant to measure academic progress, they often place extra pressure on students with disabilities who rely on specific supports and accommodations to succeed. As a parent, it’s important to understand your child’s rights during state testing and to advocate for the full implementation of their IEP accommodations — even during testing weeks. This blog will walk you through why state testing matters, how to ensure your child’s accommodations are followed, and how to support your child before, during, and after testing.

The stress of state testing can undermine a child's confidence and performance, especially when IEP accommodations are not properly implemented.

Why State Testing Matters

State tests measure how well students are meeting grade-level standards and help schools identify areas where students may need more support. For children with IEPs, these tests can also highlight gaps in educational programming and the effectiveness of services provided. More importantly, state testing can help parents and advocates push for better services and supports by identifying trends and areas where a child is struggling.

However, the stress of state testing can undermine a child's confidence and performance, especially when IEP accommodations are not properly implemented. That's why it’s critical to ensure that your child’s IEP accommodations are not overlooked or ignored during testing — and to hold schools accountable for providing every minute of your child’s services.

Your Child’s Rights During State Testing

Here’s the bottom line:
✅ Your child’s IEP accommodations MUST be provided during state and district testing — this is a legal requirement under IDEA.
✅ The school and district are NOT exempt from providing every minute of IEP services during testing weeks.
✅ If the ESE teacher is pulled away for testing duties and your child misses IEP services, the school is legally responsible for providing makeup or compensatory services.
✅ If your child’s accommodations are not provided during testing, it may invalidate the test results and violate your child's rights.

Action Plan for Parents

To make sure your child’s IEP accommodations are followed during state testing, you’ll need to be proactive. Here’s what you should do:

1. Email Every Teacher and the Testing Coordinator

Send an email to your child's teachers, the school’s testing coordinator, and the test administrator/proctor before testing begins to confirm that accommodations will be followed. Here’s a sample email you can use:

Subject: Confirmation of IEP Accommodations for State Testing

Dear [Teacher/Testing Coordinator’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to confirm that my child, [Child’s Full Name], will receive all IEP accommodations during the upcoming state testing period. According to my child’s IEP, the following accommodations must be provided during all state and district assessments:

• [List of IEP accommodations – e.g., extended time, small group setting, frequent breaks, assistive technology, etc.]

Please confirm how these accommodations will be implemented during testing and who will be responsible for ensuring that they are provided correctly.

Additionally, I want to clarify that my child is still entitled to receive all IEP services during testing weeks. The school and district are not exempt from providing every minute of IEP services due to testing or teacher testing responsibilities. At the end of each testing week, I am requesting a copy of my child’s ESE service log. If any services are missed, I expect makeup or compensatory services to be scheduled promptly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your confirmation and a successful testing experience for my child.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

2. Track Missed Services and Request Makeup Time

After each testing week, request a copy of your child's ESE service log to confirm whether any services were missed. If any IEP services were skipped due to testing, email the school and request that makeup or compensatory services be scheduled immediately.

How to Support Your Child Before, During, and After Testing

State testing can be mentally and physically exhausting for kids. Here are some ways you can help your child manage the stress and perform their best:

✅ Review IEP Accommodations with Your Child

Make sure your child understands what accommodations they are entitled to during testing. Practice using these accommodations at home so your child feels comfortable asking for them during the test.

✅ Teach Relaxation and Breathing Techniques

Help your child manage test anxiety by teaching them simple breathing exercises. For example, practice "box breathing" (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts).

✅ Prepare the Night Before

• Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep.

• Lay out comfortable clothes and pack necessary supplies (e.g., pencils, calculator, etc.).

• Pack a healthy breakfast and snacks (protein-rich foods like eggs, yogurt, and nuts are ideal).

• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

✅ Reinforce a Positive Mindset

• Remind your child that a test score does not define their value or future success.

• Tell them that they’ve worked hard and that you are proud of them, no matter the outcome.

✅ Pause After-School Tutoring

Give your child’s brain time to rest and recover after the heavy cognitive load of testing. Resume tutoring once testing has ended.

✅ Encourage Play After School

Allow your child to unwind and release nervous energy with physical activity — play at the park, ride bikes, or simply run around. Movement helps reduce stress and improves focus.

Test-Taking Strategies to Review with Your Child

Here are a few test-taking strategies to help your child feel more confident:

• Read the directions carefully before starting the test.

• Answer easy questions first to build confidence, then go back to harder ones.

• Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices.

• If stuck, skip the question and come back later — don’t waste time.

• Double-check answers if time allows, but don’t overthink it.

• If your child has accommodations like extra time or small group testing, remind them to take their time and stay focused.

Final Thoughts

State testing can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and support, your child can feel more confident and less stressed. By ensuring your child's IEP accommodations are followed and holding the school accountable for providing all services, you are setting your child up for success. Most importantly, remind your child that their value is not tied to a test score — they are already successful just by showing up and doing their best.

If you need help navigating your child’s IEP accommodations during state testing, IEP Partner is here to help. Reach out today — we’ll walk with you every step of the way.