Alternative Assessment Program

Presentation for New District Test CoordinatorsSeptember 2006, Anchorage, Alaska

Janet ValentourAlternative Assessment Program Manager,

Department of Education & Early Development

You need to know…

The Participation Guidelines will be your greatest resource;

The Alternative Assessment Program refers to the HSGQE; and

The Alternative Assessment Program has two components: Modified HSGQE Nonstandardized HSGQE

Participation Guidelines

“This booklet explains the assessment options available to a student with a disability and the decisions that must be made by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or section 504 team…”

Participation Guidelines

This booklet is a resource for understanding the Alternative Assessment Program starting on page 19.

Alternative Assessment Program

Diploma Track Modified HSGQE Nonstandardized HSGQE Must apply to the Department for approval of an

alternative assessment

Highlight paragraph three on page 19

Modified HSGQE The Modified is the HSGQE given with

allowable modifications. Changes to the test situation that normally would

not be allowed.

Modification – A change in the content, format, and/or administration of a test that alters what the test is designed to measure or the comparability of scores.

Highlight paragraph one under the heading Modified HSGQE page 20

Modified HSGQE A list of acceptable modifications exists. And the Department may approve other

modifications.

Highlight Table 3 page 21

Modified HSGQEHighlight these requirements page 22

Underline requirement number three

Underline requirement number seven

Modified HSGQE Before the testing date, DTCs will receive a

full list of students approved for modifications and copies of the applications.

It is the district’s responsibility to ensure that the modifications are available on examination day and the test proctor understands the testing procedures.

Highlight the last paragraph page 21

Modified HSGQE Application

The application is updated for each test administration.

http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment/modified.html

Spring Retakes Returning 10th

graders can have modifications on retakes.

The 10th Grade SBA score will be suppressed – invalidated.The grade level matters!

Questions about the Modified Where can you find the dates for submitting the

Modified HSGQE application? 60 days prior to the testing date, Page 21 or on the

Modified Application.

What do you do if the district disagrees with a rejection of a requested modification? Revise the application or complete a Request for

Reconsideration Form; Page 22.

Who makes the decision regarding a student’s modifications? The IEP or 504 team makes the decision; Page 21.

If you lose your copy of the Participation Guidelines, what do you do? Download a copy from the Department’s website.

Alternative Assessment Program

Diploma Track Modified HSGQE Nonstandardized HSGQE Must apply to the Department for approval of an

alternative assessment

Nonstandardized HSGQE The Nonstandardizd HSGQE requires a

student to prepare an extensive collection of work that reflects competency in each of the state standards tested on the HSGQE. The Nonstandardized HSGQE Administrative Manual

should be reviewed prior to any IEP/504 team decision.

Highlight paragraph one under the heading Nonstandardized HSGQE page 22

Nonstandardized HSGQE

Qualifications for the Nonstandardized are important to note:

Highlight paragraph one page 23

Nonstandardized HSGQE Application

http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment/nonstandardized.html

The application is updated for each test administration.

Questions for the Nonstandardized HSGQE Where can you find the dates for submitting the

Nonstandardized HSGQE application? On or before Sept. 30, of student’s intended year of graduation, Page

23 or on the Nonstandardized Application.

Where can you find the procedures for submitting the completed student work? Page 23 or in the Nonstandardized HSGQE Administration Manual.

What do you do if the district disagrees with a Department decision regarding an application? Revise the application or complete a Request for Reconsideration

Form; Page 23.

Why do you think it is important for an IEP/504 team to review the Nonstandardized HSGQE Administrative Manual before making a decision? It is important to evaluate the program to determine if the student is eligible

and identify all of the necessary support required.

Everyone needs to know…

Designed to mail home prior to start of school.

Explains: the HSGQE requirements for a

diploma participation options examples of

accommodations and modifications

vocabulary used in the HSGQE process

how parents can help

Now remember…

The Participation Guidelines will be your greatest resource;

The Alternative Assessment Program refers to the HSGQE; and

The Alternative Assessment Program has two components: Modified HSGQE Nonstandardized HSGQE

Department Support Janet Valentour, Alternative Assessment

Program Manager, 907-465-8432, janet_valentour@eed.state.ak.us

May Palomo, Assessment Clerk, 907-465-2900, may_palomo@eed.state.ak.us