2012 -2013 Regional Administrators Update Training

1. 2012 -2013 Regional Administrators Update Training Alternate/Alternative Assessments Virginia Department of Education August 2012

2. Presentation Topics Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Update Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) Update Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST) Update Questions and Answers NOTE: References to the 2012-2013 Implementation Manuals will be used throughout this presentation.

3. VGLA 2012-2013 Program Update

4. VGLA 2012 - 2013 An evidence-basedalternative assessment for the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests Available to eligible students with disabilities in grades 3-8 in Science, Writing, and History/Social Science Reading and Mathematics are no longer available to students with disabilities Available to eligible Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in grades 3-8 in Reading only 2012 – 2013 VGLA Implementation Manual –p. vii

5. Students with Disabilities Eligibility determined by IEP Team/ 504 Committee and documented in the IEP or 504 plan. IEP Team/504 Committee must examine how the student accesses instruction and demonstrates knowledge in the course considered. Eligibility determinations must be made on an individual and course-by-course basis. 2012 – 2013 VGLA Implementation Manual –p. 1

6. Students with Disabilities Eligibility must be based on Participation Criteria qualifying questions, supporting documentation, and justification statement. Participation Criteria forms and additional information are provided in the Procedures for Participation of Students with Disabilities in Virginia’s Accountability System available at www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/index.shtml 2012 – 2013 VGLA Implementation Manual –p. 1

7. Students with Disabilities VGLA participation is made by grade level and courses • Grade 3 – Science and History/Social Science • Grade 5 – Writing and Science • Grade 8 – Writing and Science • VGLA Content Specific History (Virginia Studies, United States History I, United States History II, and Civics & Economics) must be available to students with disabilities at the same grade levels as their non-disabled peers. 2012-2013 VGLA Implementation Manual – p. 1

8. LEP Students • Eligibility for VGLA Reading must be determined by the LEP team and documented in the student’s LEP plan. • Eligibility decisions are based on: • WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Composite Score • WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) or • WIDA Measurement of Developing English Language (Model) Assessment Additional information is available in Limited English Proficient Students: Guidelines for Participation in the Virginia Assessment Program available at www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/index.shtml 2012-2013 VGLA Implementation Manual – p. 1

9. LEP Students with Disabilities • Referred to as “dually identified” students • Assessment participation determinations are based on the student’s LEP status. • For additional information refer to Testing Memo No. 875, December 13, 2010 available from the Division Director of Testing (DDOT). 2012-2013 VGLA Implementation Manual – p. 1

10. New Reading, Writing, and Science SOL • All VGLA participants must demonstrate individual achievement of the grade level content standards in the SOL blueprint for the course in which they are assessed. • VGLA participants in yearlong courses or on A/B block and 2nd semester schedules must submit Collection of Evidence (COE) based on the new 2010 Reading, Writing and Science SOL. • Students on 1st semester block schedules (courses started and completed in Fall 2012) must submit COE based on the 2002 Reading, Writing and Science SOL. 2012-2013 VGLA Implementation Manual – p. 5

11. Important Reminders • Anecdotal records and captioned photographs are not allowed as VGLA evidence. • VGLA evidence must be collected under “ Testing Conditions” in which the student does not have access to materials or resources that would provide an unfair advantage. • Multiple attempts to complete the same work sample are not allowed. • COEs should be monitored during development and pre-scored prior to scoring. 2012-2013 VGLA Implementation Manual – p. ix

12. 2012-2013 Due Dates January 2- June 7, 2013 – Student Registration April 1 – June 7, 2013 – Score Entry June 24, 2013 - COEs selected for audit shipped Pearson Note: VGLA scores will be entered in PearsonAccess one wave.

13. VSEP 2012 -2013 Program Update

14. VSEP 2012 - 2013 • An evidence-based alternative assessment for the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests • Available to: • eligible students with disabilities enrolled in courses or those who have passed courses with end-of-course SOL assessments and • students in grades 9-12 who need grade 8 numeracy and literacy certification for the Modified Standard Diploma • Available with special permission for students with disabilities in grades 3-8 in mathematics and reading 2012 – 2013 VSEP Implementation Manual –p. 1

15. VSEP Courses • English: Writing • English: Reading • Algebra I • Algebra II • Geometry • Biology • Earth Science • Chemistry • Virginia and United States History • World History I • World History II • World Geography 2012 – 2013 VSEP Implementation Manual –p. 1

16. VSEP Courses • Grade 8 • Reading (Literacy Assessment) • Mathematics (Numeracy Assessment) • Grade 3-8 Special Permission Request • Reading • Writing 2012 – 2013 VSEP Implementation Manual –p. 1

17. Typical VSEP EOC and Grade 8 Students Able to demonstrate achievement in grade level content Access to the SOL tests can not be provided even with accommodations due to the nature of the disability Needs an alternative method of demonstrating knowledge and skill

18. Typical VSEP Special Permission Students Performs on grade level for the SOL in the subject/course to be assessed May have a new disability, a rapid deterioration of sensory functions, or a unique and/or challenging disability that precludes access to the SOL even with accommodations.

19. Eligibility Process IEP Team/504 Committee complete Intent to Participate form DDOT and Special Education Director review form and DDOT submits to VDOE through Single Sign-on Web Systems (SWSS)Drop Box VDOE staff reviews form to determine if student has been selected based on VSEP participation criteria with supporting documentation and justification. 2012 – 2013 VSEP Implementation Manual –p. 3 - 5

20. Eligibility Process Review results are returned to DDOT Once approval is received, VSEP Evaluation Plan/Worksheet is developed by content teacher and special education teacher Evaluation Plan/Worksheet is submitted for local review. 2012 – 2013 VSEP Implementation Manual –p. 3 - 5

21. New 2010 Reading, Writing, and Science SOL • First Time VSEP EOC Reading, Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry Course Work Compilations (CWC) must be based on the new 2010 Reading and Science SOL. • First Time VSEP EOC Writing CWC must be based on the new 2010 Writing SOL. 2012-2013 VSEP Implementation Manual, p. viii.

22. Students working on Previous Standards • The SOL defended in the student’s CWC will depend on when the student was enrolled in the course. • Students may be working on previous standards dating back to 2001. • To ensure students defend the appropriate standards teachers should refer to 2012-2013 VSEP Implementation Manual, p. 6 - 8.

23. Important VSEP Dates for Submission of Intent to Participate Forms

24. Important VSEP Dates for Submission of Intent to Participate Forms

25. VSEP Scoring All CWC are scored twice by independent scorers. The higher of the two scores is awarded. All failing Term Graduate VSEP CWC are automatically submitted to be rescored by a 3rd independent scorer.

26. VSEP Resubmissions • Failing CWC can be resubmitted with additional evidence • Intent to Participate form must indicate re-submission • The VSEP Evaluation Plan/Worksheet and the submission must address SOL that received a failing or low score in the original submission. 2012-2013 VSEP Implementation Manual, p. 22

27. VSEP Request for Rescore Divisions may request a failing VSEP CWC to be rescored if there is agreement between 2 division staff members with content expertise and knowledge of the VSEP rubric that the CWC should have received a higher score. Requests must be reviewed and approved by the division before submission to Pearson DDOT must assure that the original evidence is submitted for rescore and has not be changed in any way. February 28 – Fall Request for Rescore Due Date July 3, 2013 – Spring Request for Rescore Due Date 2012-2013 VSEP Implementation Manual, p. iii & 22

28. Important Reminders • Anecdotal records, captioned photographs, and work samples in a multiple-choice format are not allowed as VSEP evidence. • VSEP evidence must be collected under “ Testing Conditions” in which the student does not have access to materials or resources that would provide an unfair advantage. • Multiple attempts to complete the same work sample are not allowed. • CWC should be monitored during development and pre-scored prior to submission for scoring.

29. VMAST Program Update

30. VMAST 2012 - 2013 An online alternateassessment for the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests Research-based supports and simplifications are applied to existing online SOL items Available to eligible students with disabilities for grades 3-8 Mathematics and Reading as well as for Algebra I and End-Of-Course Reading

31. 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

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

33. Typical VMAST Students Students may exhibit some or all of the learner characteristics below: • Works at a slower pace • Has deficits in factual knowledge • Has difficulties engaging with materials • Benefits from differentiated instruction and additional instructional time • Requires high level of support • May have below grade level reading ability • May have retention or memory deficits

34. Eligibility Process Eligibility determination must be made by the IEP team and documented in the student’s IEP. Students identified under Section 504 are not allowed to participate. Mathematics and Reading eligibility must be determined separately.

35. Eligibility Process • IEP team must consider: • the student’s disability • impact of the disability on classroom performance, • need for significant instructional support to access grade level SOL and show progress • need for assessment supports to demonstrate knowledge, and • expectation regarding the achievement of grade level proficiency within the year. • Participation Criteria forms and additional information are provided in the Procedures for Participation of Students with Disabilities in Virginia’s Accountability System available at www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/index.shtml

36. VMAST Scores Supt. Memo# 054-11 (Feb. 18, 2011) Passing VMAST Algebra I and End-of-course Reading scores may be used for verified credit required for the standard or advanced studies diploma or to fulfill the numeracy and literacy requirements of the Modified Standard Diploma. Passing VMAST grade 8 Mathematics and grade 8 Reading scores may be used to fulfill the numeracy and literacy requirements of the Modified Standard Diploma.

37. Future VMAST Use VMAST Mathematics and Reading will continue to be available in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. No longer available as a separate alternate assessment after 2013-2014 in compliance with Virginia’s ESEA Waiver Request approved by the United States Department of Education on June 29, 2012. VDOE is exploring the possibility of including the VMAST supports and simplifications in the SOL tests in the future.

38. Important Reminders Students participating in VMAST should become familiar with the supports and simplifications used by using the Practice Guides and Items that are available on the VDOE web site. A federally cap of 2% is imposed on the number of VMAST passing scores that can be used in federal accountability.

39. QUESTIONS Virginia Department of Education Division of Student Assessment and School Improvement Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov (804) 225-2102