What are alternate assessments?
Most students with disabilities participate in general state assessments. An option for some students with the most significant cognitive disabilities is to take an alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS). These assessments are designed to allow students with significant cognitive disabilities to show what they have learned.
Alternate assessments are aligned to the same standards as general assessments. They assess student learning of grade level content, but with less complexity. Students who take an alternate assessment may have different expectations for learning, but they still participate in grade level content.
Alternate Assessments Based on Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS)
- Aligned to grade-level standards
- Reduced breadth, depth or complexity
- Different expectations for learning
Alternate assessment or AA-AAAS is the term used by the US Department of Education. However, most states have a unique title for their alternate assessments. Some states do not use the term “alternate” in the test name. Michigan has the MI-Access. Oregon’s alternate assessment is the Oregon Extended Assessment or ORExt. Parents and families should check their state websites for more information. NCEO has links to state alternate assessment websites here.
Who are alternate assessments designed for?
Alternate assessments are intended only for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. They are designed for students who cannot participate in the general assessment. The content on alternate assessments is simplified to focus on the most essential skills at the right level for each student.
Only a limited number of students should participate in alternate assessments. Federal law limits states to testing just 1% or fewer of all students with the alternate assessment. For some students, participation in the alternate assessment may limit future opportunities. Parents and families should check State websites to see who should participate. NCEO has links to state alternate assessment websites here.