Local Scoring Training
All Vermont alternate assessment portfolio scoring training sessions will be presented this spring via the Learning Network of Vermont (LNV) video-conferencing system. This year, all portfolios must be scored at the local level by a trained scorer before it can be submitted to the Department of Education by June 1st. If you are unable to attend one of the sessions, you must have a trained scorer at your school or district, score the portfolio. View additional information about the training using the link above.
NOTE: Due to the LNV format, no hardcopy packets will be offered on site. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you download, print, review and bring the materials to the session you are attending. Use the links below to:
Alternate Assessment Scoring Institute Application
The VAA Scoring Institute will be held from July 20 – July 24, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Rutland, Vermont. This application is open to all case managers, general and special educators, related service providers, support staff and administrators. Applicants must have attended a VAA training in Spring 2009 in order to be considered eligible. Applications are due to the Department of Education no later than May 15th. Use this link to register online.
Application Forms for 2008-2009
View forms that are required for application for the Vermont Alternate Assessment. Collectively, these document the team’s readiness and intentions to provide data-based instruction and assessment of student progress in up to three content areas - reading, math and science.
Endline Documentation & Forms for 2008-2009 (Updated 5/27/09)
Use this link to view and download forms that are required for documenting endline student performance and scoring the Vermont Alternate Assessment for the 2008-2009 school year. NOTE: All submissions, including the online scoring information, are due to the Department of Education no later than June 1st, 2009.
Fundamental Changes in the Vermont Alternate Assessment
This memorandum addresses significant fundamental changes to the Vermont Alternate Assessment (formerly known as the Portfolio Assessment of Alternate Grade Expectations (PAAGE)). NOTE: All workshops noted in this memo have been completed.
- PowerPoint Presentation Handout (2.5MB)
This resource was provided to partcipants of the fall rollout trainings for the new Vermont alternate assessment. Due to its extensve length, it was not part of the handout packet provided to attendees at the trainings.
IEPs and GLEs: A Process for Estimating a Student’s Present Levels of Performance (PLOP) in Relation to Vermont’s Grade Level Expectations
The PLOP statement is the foundation used by IEP teams to create a program of supports and services that capitalizes on a student’s unique strengths and addresses the student’s specific academic needs. It provides a starting point for crafting appropriate goals and objectives and serves as a baseline for measuring future progress.
NECAP Accommodations Guide (August 2007)
This booklet includes the Table of Approved NECAP Accommodations with explanations and suggestions for use, guidelines and procedures for requesting approval of unique accommodations, an accommodations planning process, and other information on how to administer the NECAP tests to students with special assessment needs.
- NECAP Table of Standard Test Accommodations
This list of allowable accommodations comes directly from the Accommodations, Guidelines and Procedures: Administrator Training Guide. This guide is useful for understanding the requirements and applications for each accommodation. IEP teams should carefully review these accommodations before determining that a student requires an alternate assessment.
Student Performance Result on State Alternate Assessments Reported by Subgroups
The No Child Left Behind Act requires Vermont to report alternate assessment student performance annually by subcategories, including gender; major racial/ethnic categories; students with disabilities; economically disadvantaged students; students with limited English proficiency; and migrant students. Reported results are for alternate assessment, valid tests and are only publicly reported when there are more than 10 students in the group. Alternate assessments are Lifeskills, Stanford Diagnostic, and Out-of-level New Standards Reference Exams (NSREs).
Qualities of Best Practice Assessment
This document is a list of the essential qualities of best practice assessment. Regardless of the assessment option chosen by teams for a particular student, the team should be confident that the assessment approaches these criteria to the greatest possible extent. |