Alternative Assessment Program Presentation for New District Test Coordinators September 2007, Anchorage, Alaska Janet Valentour Alternative & ELP 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 students 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

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.

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

Modified HSGQE

Before the testing date, DTCs will receive a full list of students approved for modifications and copies of the applications for the test administration following. It is the districts responsibility to ensure that the modifications are available on examination day and the test proctor understands the testing procedures.

Modified HSGQE Application The application is updated for each test administration. ssessment/modified.html

Spring Retakes Returning 10 th graders can have modifications on retakes. The 10 th 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? What do you do if the district disagrees with a rejection of a requested modification? Who makes the decision regarding a students modifications? If you lose your copy of the Participation Guidelines, what do you do?

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.

Nonstandardized HSGQE Qualifications for the Nonstandardized are important to note:

Nonstandardized HSGQE Application ssment/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? Where can you find the procedures for submitting the completed student work? What do you do if the district disagrees with a Department decision regarding an application? Why do you think it is important for an IEP/504 team to review the Nonstandardized HSGQE Administrative Manual before making a decision?

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, , Janacie Peters, Assessment Clerk, ,