Alternative Assessment Program Presentation for District Test Coordinators February 2009, Anchorage, Alaska Grace Gray Alternative Assessment Program Manager

You need to know… The Participation Guidelines will be your most valuable 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 state regulation 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

Alaska School Laws & Regulations Statewide assessment program for students with disabilities. A student eligible for an alternative assessment program is eligible to take a modified HSGQE for the subtest that the student has not passed. The modifications allowed to each student shall be determined on an individualized basis consistent with the Participation Guidelines and (h) and (j) of this section. 4 AAC (g)

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

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

Process for Modified HSGQE Steps for using the modified HSGQE 1. The IEP/504 team meets to determine the modifications needed for the student & writes them in the IEP (Assessment and Program Modifications sections). 2. The application is submitted to EED via or fax at least 60 days before the date of administration. 3. EED approves, partial approves, or denies the application. 4. The IEP/504 team can submit a new application with revisions and documentation. 5. EED evaluates the new application with revisions.

Modified HSGQE Before the testing date, sped directors and district test coordinators will receive a full list of students approved for modifications. District test coordinators receive copies of the Modified applications. Teachers also receive copies for the students files. If the students application is accepted or partially accepted, 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 second to last paragraph page 21

List of Applicants High School Here Confidential Observe: 1.Which teachers are consistently receiving partial and/or denials 2.Are comments consistently the same issue.

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

HSGQE Retakes Returning 10 th graders can have modifications on retakes. The grade level matters!

Table Leaders Comment Take a few minutes at your tables to discuss the following: 1. Where can a DTC reference the deadline for submitting the application? 2. What DTC management is needed for this assessment? 3. Where and how are the Modified HSGQE applications best stored and referenced? 4. How do districts ensure modifications are provided on testing day?

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: Nonstandardized HSGQE page 23

Nonstandardized HSGQE Application ssment/nonstandardized.html The application is updated for each test administration.

Table Leaders Comment Take a few minutes at your tables to discuss the following: 1. Where can a DTC reference the deadline for submitting the application? 2. What other sections in the PG might new DTCs highlight?

Where to find information on the Modified & nonstandardized HSGQE:

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 Grace Gray, Alternative Assessment Program Manager, , Cedar McLean, Assessment Clerk, ,