An alternate assessment is a way to measure the performance of students with disabilities who are unable to participate in general large-scale assessments used by districts or states. Alternate assessments are designed for a small number of students who are unable to participate in general large-scale assessments. There is a potential danger that too many students will be slated to participate in the alternate assessment system. Because the expectations that educators and parents hold for students with disabilities vary, it is critical that clear guidelines be established to decide who participates in alternate assessment systems. This decision should not be based on which students are expected to perform poorly on the general education assessment.
Alternate assessments can also cover additional content such as functional skills.
Most states have decided to compile a body of evidence, often through a portfolio approach. Assessment data are collected across several months, using a variety of assesment strategies. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This page was last updated on May 18, 2001. Opinions expressed in this Web site do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education or Offices within it.