Alternate Assessment

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)

NYSAA is part of the New York State testing program that measures attainment of the State’s learning standards in the areas of English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies for all students with severe disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school. Beginning with the school year, NYSAA is using computer-based testing for the ELA and Math components; however, it is continuing with a datafolio-style assessment for the Science and Social Studies content areas.

 

English Language Arts and Mathematics

Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, ELA and mathematics will be assessed using Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) computer-based assessments. DLM is a computer-delivered adaptive assessment measuring a student’s achievement of the ELA and Mathematics Common Core Learning Standards at a reduced level of depth, breadth, and complexity. This computerized assessment provides the opportunity to customize the assessment to the individual abilities and needs of the student. It is designed to measure a wide range of proficiencies of students, is quicker and easier to administer and score, and provides useful information to teachers to inform future instruction for the student.

 

Science and Social Studies

The Science and Social Studies NYSAA will continue to be submitted in the current hard-copy or datafolio-style format, with Measured Progress as the current contractor. The key characteristics of the Science and Social Studies NYSAA are the same as in previous years.