1. Alternative Assessment Program Presentation for New District Test Coordinators September 2006, Anchorage, Alaska Janet Valentour Alternative Assessment Program Manager, Department of Education & Early Development

2. 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

3. 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…

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Modified HSGQE A list of acceptable modifications exists. And the Department may approve other modifications. Highlight Table 3 page 21

8. Modified HSGQE Highlight these requirements page 22 Underline requirement number three Underline requirement number seven

9. 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 districts 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

10. Modified HSGQE Application The application is updated for each test administration. http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/a ssessment/modified.html

11. 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!

12. 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 students 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 Departments website.

13. Alternative Assessment Program Diploma Track Modified HSGQE Nonstandardized HSGQE Must apply to the Department for approval of an alternative assessment

14. 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

15. Nonstandardized HSGQE Qualifications for the Nonstandardized are important to note: Highlight paragraph one page 23

16. Nonstandardized HSGQE Application http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/asse ssment/nonstandardized.html The application is updated for each test administration.

17. Questions for the Nonstandardized HSGQE Where can you find the dates for submitting the Nonstandardized HSGQE application? On or before Sept. 30, of students 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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