Alternative Assessment Application Procedures Modified and Nonstandardized

1. Alternative Assessment Application ProceduresModified and Nonstandardized Tools to Tune the HSGQE Assessment Process

2. Contents • Modified HSGQE • Nonstandardized HSGQE • Waivers

3. Where can you read more information? • The Participation Guidelines are available at the Department’s website. • The Guidelines outline all necessary information for an IEP/504 team. • Look for the 2005 edition.

4. Where do you find information for parents regarding the Alternative Assessment Program? • The Department’s website has all of the necessary information: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment/modified.html • A suggested brochure has been developed for your use. (available on the website or request copies directly from the Department)

5. Modified HSGQE

6. What is the Modified HSGQE? • The High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) given with allowable modifications; • The Modified HSGQE is only available to students on an IEP or 504 plan; • The modifications must be State approved; and • Applications for the Modified HSGQE must be submitted on or before the deadline.

7. How do you know your student might need the Modified HSGQE? • The student has failed any or all of the regular HSGQE once; • The student has an IEP or 504 plan; and • The student’s parent has been informed of the Alternative Assessment Program.

8. Where do you find the Modified HSGQE Application? • The Department’s website has the application available to districts. • An updated application is prepared for each test administration. Always download the new form for each test administration.

9. Modified HSGQE Application Process • Convene the IEP/504 team to discuss the needed modifications; • Make sure the IEP/504 plan mentions or lists the need for the modifications proposed for the Modified HSGQE; • Fill out the form completely; • Attach the IEP or 504 plan pages that indicate a Modified HSGQE is needed; and • Fax or mail to the Department on or before the deadline noted on the application. Always review the instructions

10. 1 2 5 3 6 4 Pay close attention to the following details • Grade at time of test administration identified • IEP/504 matches requested modifications • Teacher signature and date • Correct form (check date) for test administration • Application deadline • State Student ID Number and disability identified

11. What happens if the application is denied? • Double check your work. • Application complete? • IEP/504 complete with a list of the modifications clearly and specifically outlined as a need for the HSGQE? • You can revise any mistakes and resubmit to the State. • You may request reconsideration from the Commissioner (form and guidance on the website) when a modification is denied for reasons other than error in the application.

12. Questions?

13. Nonstandardized HSGQE

14. What is the Nonstandardized HSGQE? • A portfolio of work that reflects competency in each of the state standards tested on the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE); • The Nonstandardized HSGQE is only available to students on an IEP or 504 plan; • The Nonstandardized application must be State approved; and • The Nonstandardized Application must be submitted on or before September 30, of the student’s intended year of graduation.

15. How do you know your student might need the Nonstandardized HSGQE? • The student has failed any or all of the regular HSGQE once; • The student has an IEP or 504 plan; and • The student’s parent has been informed of the Alternative Assessment Program.

16. Where do you find the Nonstandardized HSGQE Application? • The Department’s website has the application available to districts. • All teachers are advised to become familiar with the Nonstandardized Administrative Manual and Nonstandardized Resource Guide before submitting any applications.

17. Nonstandardized Application Process • Convene the IEP/504 team to discuss the requirements and qualifications; • Make sure the IEP/504 plan has the necessary evidence required; • Attach all required documentation: medical, grade level performance, and historical assessment data; and • Fax or mail to the Department on or before the deadline. Always review the instructions

18. 1 5 2 6 3 4 Pay close attention to the following details • Date of form and deadline for submission • State Student ID Number • Disability identified • Grade level at the time of submission • IEP/504 pages and required evidence to be attached • All required signatures

19. What happens if the application is denied? • Double check your work. • Application complete? • IEP/504 complete with all required evidence? • All attachments enclosed with application? • You can revise any mistakes and resubmit to the Department. • You may request reconsideration from the Commissioner (form and guidance on the website) when a student is denied for reasons other than error in the application.

20. What happens after the application is approved? • You must download from the Department’s website all necessary materials and become familiar with them: • Nonstandardized Administrative Manual • Nonstandardized Resource Guide • Work with the student to collect student work; and • Submit the final assessment by March 15, of the student’s year of intended graduation.

21. When will you know the student’s proficiency? • A Student Report will be generated and mailed to the teacher, student, district test coordinator, and special education director. • If a student is rated not proficient, the student can submit new work for evaluation. Overall Performance

22. Questions?

23. Waivers for Alternative Assessment Program

24. Where can you get waiver information? • Guidelines for waiver and appeals are available on the Department’s website • One waiver is directly involved with the HSGQE and the Alternative Assessment Program • Unable to Participate due to Disability4 AAC 06.774(d)

25. What are the specific details of the waiver? • A diploma-track student who is unable to participate in any or all of the HSGQE because of a disability, the student may request from the governing body permission to take the Modified or Nonstandardized HSGQE. • The Request for Permission form (#05-05-020) must be file before October 31, of the student’s sophomore year. • The Rare and Unusual Waiver form (#05-04-014) is later submitted the final semester of the student’s year of intended graduation to the governing body.

26. State support is available • Department’s assessment website: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment/ • Janet Valentour, Alternative Assessment Program Manager, 907-465-8431 janet_valentour@eed.state.ak.us • May Palomo, Assessment Clerk, 907-465-2900 may_palomo@eed.state.ak.us