About TAKS(Accommodated), TAKS-Modified, or TAKS-Alternate

TAKS and TAKS (Accommodated)

The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills TAKS) is the general statewide assessment. TAKS assessments are aligned to the state-mandated curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). TAKS includes a form introduced in 2008 and called TAKS (Accommodated). It is the TAKS test with format accommodations and no embedded field-test items. Students served by special education programs whose progress can be measured appropriately using the general assessment and who meet the eligibility requirements for specific accommodations may be assessed with TAKS (Accommodated). Spanish-version tests are available at some grade levels, depending on the testing year, for TAKS and TAKS (Accommodated).

TAKS–Modified (TAKS–M)

TAKS–M is an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards designed to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). TAKS–M is intended for a small number of students served by special education programs who meet participation requirements. TAKS–M is based on the grade-level TEKS curriculum, but the assessment itself is simplified. The decision to administer TAKS–M to a student must be made by the student’s ARD committee; it cannot be based solely on disability category or placement setting, nor can it be determined administratively for accountability purposes. TAKS–M is administered in the same grades and subjects as TAKS. Spanish versions of TAKS–M are not available.

TAKS–Alternate (TAKS–Alt)

TAKS–Alt is an alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards and is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the participation requirements. TAKS–Alt is administered in the same grades and subjects as TAKS.