Which federal law mandates that schools must provide accommodations for students with disabilities in standardized testing?

The correct answer highlights the role of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations during standardized testing. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and promotes equal access to education and testing for individuals with disabilities.

Under the ADA, educational institutions are required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities can participate in assessments on an equal basis with their peers. This can include modifications such as extended testing time, alternative formats for test materials, and the use of assistive technology, all tailored to the specific needs of the student.

This legal framework is essential because it enforces the principle that individuals with disabilities have the right to full participation in educational activities, including assessments, which are critical for measuring their academic progress and future opportunities.

In contrast, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) primarily focuses on ensuring that students receive a free appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs, it does support accommodations as part of an individualized education program (IEP). The Rehabilitation Act, particularly Section 504, also provides for accommodations but is more focused on broader civil rights protections. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), on the other hand, is concerned with the privacy