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Re: Your assertion that an IEP is something like an assessment...

An IEP would serve only as a "guide" for the private school the student is entering, voucher in hand. Public schools MUST follow it, private institutions may choose not to but will probably hear from parents who think that the IEP is the only correct course for their child. They have become accoustomed to demanding services based on it.

The assessments I refer to are the "HIGH STAKES" versions that will be required by every state as part of the "accountability " demands of the "No Child Left Behind" federal legislation that is driving the train.

Well, the assessments you are referring to, as Gov. Bush said in his email posted here, are not required by disabled students on a voucher in a private school.

In addition, he has recently taken actions to ensure there is more fairness in testing for disabled students in the public school system taking state tests.

Finally, as to IEP's -- I don't know if you have ever seen one, but I have, and these are far more specific than a mere "guide." The IEP has learning objectives, goals, etc., and the teacher must note if progress is being made toward such specific goals and learning objectives, and evidence such progress in IEP meetings. These IEP forms are not just 'useless paperwork.' People are relying on that information to make decisions about the child's education. So, in a way, I do think this is a form of an assessment, although it is more along the lines of rubric or a check list.