ESE and Alternative Assessment

If you work in the school system and even touch a lower ability student you have probably heard of Alternative Assessment. The AA is a way for the government to see we have progressed learning for these students. The problem is that, just like state assessments, every state gets to make their own rules for it. When I worked in CA I had a state made AA and it changed and grew as the state better understood what testing needed to look like for these kids. When I moved to FL I was told "We can use any assessment we want, like the Brigance" and I said "Just WAIT!" and I was right.

This past October we were given instructions to test a certain student (black, male, in 3rd; white, male in 8th; etc.) so that the state could have a test of the test. The problem was that they wanted to real test administered in March and that did not give them enough time to get all the results accounted. They did listen and change the test some but you can really tell NONE of them are administering the test and they don't, or haven't ever, taught this population.

I administered the October test to three students and the March test to aporoximately 10 students. I was nominated to to to the Alternative Assessment Review Committee for our county. I was selected and went this past week during my Spring Break. Of course there is very little I am allowed to share but I do know that the company designing the test is trying to listen to all comments that teachers send in. I also know that the test is still in it's infancy and a work in progress. I have found out that we won't get the scores on our student probably until next fall.

It was exciting to be a part of the State changing and I have applied for the Content Review Committee and another Assessment Review Committee that will happen during the summer. I hope I get at least one of them!