Assessing Students with Special Needs

Alternate Assessments

Let’s Make Sure We’re Using the Same Vocabulary

• Assessment (for this discussion)– Large-scale tests used for accountability (like TAKS)

• Content Standards– The skills to be taught and tested

• Achievement Standards– Statements that explain how well students need to

know the content standards– Describes what the different proficiencies mean

(usually derived from a standards’ setting event)

Accommodations vs. Modifications

• Accommodations– Changes to a testing situation that do not alter the construct of

the skills being measured (varies by state)• Small group administration• Writing in the test booklet• Scheduling changes (additional time, short sessions)• Large print, amplification devices, signed directions• Some states (Texas) include Braille as an accommodation• Oral administration of subjects other than reading

• Modifications– Changes to a testing situation that may alter the construct of the

skills being measured (varies by state)• Reading passages to the student on a reading comprehension test

(Is it now listening comprehension?)• Use of a calculator on a math calculation test

Go here for specific information on “allowable” accommodations in Texas: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/admin/AccommManual_2007_08_tagged.pdf

Alternative vs. Alternate

These terms are often confused!

• Alternative Assessment– Same skills, different method

• Portfolios• Performance assessments

• Alternate Assessment (federal term)– Three different types

Three Types of Alternate Assessment

• Alternate Assessments based on Grade-Level Achievement Standards (AA-GLAS)– Some states include Braille in this category– Grade-level content standards– Grade-level achievement standards

• Alternate Assessments based on Modified Achievement Standards (AA-MAS)– Intended for students with disabilities– Grade-level content standards– Modified (similar) achievement standards (less difficult)

• Alternate Assessments based on Alternate Achievement Standards (AA-AAS)– Intended for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities– Linked to grade-level content standards – Alternate (different) achievement standards (less complex)

Cortiella, C. (2007). Learning opportunities for your child through alternate assessments:alternate assessments based on modified academic achievement standards. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, National Center on Educational Out comes. www.nceo.info/OnlinePubs/AAMASParentGuide.pdf

Alternate Assessments based on Alternate Achievement Standards (AA-AAS)

• Who?

• Why?

• How?

Alternate Assessments based on Modified Achievement Standards (AA-MAS)

• Who?

• Why?

• How?