Selecting Appropriate Students Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST)

1. Selecting Appropriate Students Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST) Adapted from a VDOE Presentation May 2011

2. Important Dates • April 1, 2012 • IEP must reflect VMAST participation • IEP must be standards based • IEP indicates VMAST participation in math • Participation form is complete and submitted • Participation form is inserted in IEP • Participation for is copied to Division Director of Testing • April 30- May 5, 2012 – Grades 3-8 • Testing window for VMAST • Same window as SOL • Schools choose dates within this window • May 21 to end of school, 2012 VMAST algebra 1 • Testing window for high school algebra 1 VMAST

3. Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test Overview Sample Items

4. Content Standards VMAST uses the same standards and curriculum frameworks as regular SOL tests. Achievement Standards The expectations for level of achievement and how achievement is demonstrated is modified. What Does Modified Achievement Standards Mean?

5. What is the VMAST? • An alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards • Only available in on-line delivery • Maintains test constructs, but is less difficult than the SOL assessments • Is 20% shorter than SOL assessments

6. What is the VMAST? • Research based supports and simplifications identified by Virginia educators are applied to existing SOL mathematics and reading test items. • Assesses grades 3-8 mathematics and Algebra I (available in 2011-2012) • Assesses grade 3-8 reading and EOC English: Reading (available in 2012-2013)

7. VMASTSupports and Simplifications • Reduce answer options from 4 to 3 • Simpler structure or vocabulary • Add precise language for clarification • Reduce number of variables, or simplify digits in mathematics problems • Divide item into discrete steps

8. VMASTSupports and Simplifications • Highlight, color code or box important information • Provide strategies – reminders, hints, formulas • Provide additional instructions • Provide interactive tools • Add/alter graphics • Present items near relevant sections of short reading passages

9. Selecting VMAST Participants Federal Requirements Learner Characteristics VMAST Participation Criteria Student Profiles

10. Federal Requirements... Participants • Student has been provided high quality instruction including special education and related services and is still unlikely to achieve grade-level proficiency within the school year as evidenced by multiple valid measures of student progress over time.

11. Federal Requirements...Participants • May be within any of the 13 disability categories defined in IDEA. 504 students are not eligible. • Student’s IEP must include grade-level academic content goals or standards-based goals. • Students’ disabilities preclude them from achieving grade-level proficiency, as demonstrated by objective evidence.

12. Virginia Eligible Participants • Students with Disabilities • Identified by IEP teams • Instructed in grade level content • Disability prevents students from reaching grade level achievement in the same time frame as other students

13. Learner Characteristics Identified by Virginia Educators • Works at a slower pace • Has deficits in factual knowledge • Has difficulties engaging with materials • Benefits from differentiated instruction and additional instructional time • Requires a high level of support • May have below grade level reading ability • May have retention or memory deficits

14. VMAST Participation Criteria Introductory Statement Students participating in the VMAST are expected to learn grade-level content; however, they may require additional time and a variety of instructional and assessment supports. Students participating in VMAST do not receive a modified curriculum; the achievement expectations are modified and difficulty is reduced by including tools and supports that allow participating students to access and demonstrate knowledge of grade level content. Eligibility for VMAST must be determined separately for reading and mathematics.

15. VMAST Implementation Schedule

16. VMAST Resources • Participation Criteria • Practice Tests (will be updated in 2011) • Practice Test Guides (will be updated in 2011) • Examiner’s Manuals (will be updated 2011) Available at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/alternative_assessments/index.shtml

17. Key Issues • Passing VMAST mathematics and reading scores will qualify a student for Modified Standard Diploma. • Similarly, passing VMAST Algebra I and EOC English reading (12-13) scores will qualify a student for the MSD. • Only 2% of total tested population may count as passing scores toward AYP

18. Frequently Asked Questions • Q. Since the VGLA mathematics tests will not be available in 2011-2012, will all of the students currently participating in VGLA mathematics tests be eligible for VMAST mathematics tests. • A. No. All students currently participating in VGLA mathematics tests will not be eligible to participate in VMAST mathematics tests. VMAST is based on modified achievement standards and the VGLA is based on grade level achievement standards. Additionally, the VMAST participation criteria is different from the VGLA participation criteria.

19. Frequently Asked Questions • Q. Can students with 504 plans participate in the VMAST? • A. No. Federal requirement restrict participation in Alternate Assessments based on modified achievement standards to a small group of students identified as disabled under IDEA.

20. Frequently Asked Questions • Q. Is there a possibility the students with limited English proficiency will have access to the VMAST. • A. If a student with limited English proficiency is also identified as a student with a disability under IDEA, he or she may be considered by the IEP team for VMAST participation. This consideration is based on the student’s disability status only.