SUPTS. MEMO NO. 144
July 28, 2000
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Jo Lynne DeMary
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | STATUS REPORT ON THE VIRGINIA ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM |
The development of the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program is well under way. The 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reflect the intent to extend educational accountability and reform to all students, including those with severe disabilities who have traditionally been exempted from statewide testing programs. Although these students represent a relatively small portion of the overall school population, the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program was developed with the belief that the evaluation of their performance represents an important component in our quest towards higher standards.
Attached is a status report that outlines the progress of the program’s development this year. The report includes steering committee and sub-committee accomplishments, a description of the collection of evidence (assessment strategy), scoring rubric field test information, and future activities.
Questions regarding the Virginia Alternate Assessment program should be directed to Dr. Patricia Burgess, Division of Assessment and Reporting; (804) 225-3026 or Mrs. Sharon E. Siler, Office of Special Education and Student Services, (804) 225-2711.
JLD:kts
Attachment