Hi I'm new to your board. I'm a special ed. teacher in Nevada, I currently teach students with severe to profound disabilities. I'm curious what type of assessments do you use for an alternate assessment for state testing? We use the NASAA and it requires 12 videos per child that cover 6different standards. We also have to monitor three of the standards w/ supporting documentation three times before the video is completed in February. So, I was just curious what everyone else uses as an alternate testing tool. Thanks!
Hi! I'm in Massachusetts. We put together a portfolio (they call it MCAS-Alt since the MA tests are called MCAS). Each grade is assigned certain strands from the state frameworks--for example, grade 3 regular test is ELA and Math. Grade 3 alternate are assigned to do 1 "strand" under "number sense" and 1 "strand" under "patterns, relations, and algebra," then in ELA there are 2 specifics chosen for you also. Anyway, for each strand, you must find 1 standard under that particular category at grade level, then we have to do at least 1 data chart and at least 2 other pieces of evidence the student is meeting that standard (or working on and making progress in prerequisite related skills). Most portfolios in MA have 4-7 strands in them. So we don't do video (I'm glad!), but we do alot of paperwork. Personally, I'm not a fan of alternate assessments--they're alot of work for me, without doing anything to benefit my students! In theory they are supposed to make me teach better, but I haven't found that to be the case. Sigh. . .
I don't know who made up these alternative assessment portfolios but it must of been someone who has never been in the classroom. They are useless - they only reflect on how well the teacher an put together a huge notebook. So time comsuming - takes away from real teaching. Sorry - I had to rant ~ LOL! I'm from Arkansas, fortunately, I don't have to do the videos - So as evidence of performance - worksheets, IEP sheet. talley sheets, or photos are included with each entry - in the areas of Mathematics, Reading, Oral and Visual Expression, and new this year will be the area of Science. Total of over 19 entries - 2/3 pieces of evidence for each entry depending on the area.
