Accommodations include variations in scheduling, setting, aids and equipment, and presentation format. These variations should not change the level, content, or performance criteria and should not change the reliability and validity of the assessment. Accommodations are made in order to provide a student with the opportunity to demonstrate what students know on the state-level assessment. The process of alignment refers to linking content and performance standards to assessment, curriculum, and teaching and learning in classrooms.
Alternative assessment is any type of assessment in which students create a response to a question.
Alternative assessments can include short answer questions, essays, performance assessments, oral presentations, demonstrations, exhibitions, and portfolios. They are often used as examples of performances at different points on a scoring rubric for a particular grade level. If used with analytical scoring, there may be anchor papers or benchmark performances for each trait being assessed. Assessment is the process of gathering information to make decisions. Assessment literacy means having knowledge about the basic principles of sound assessment practice, including terminology, the development and use of assessment methodologies and techniques, familiarity with standards of quality in assessment.