The Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) requires that alternate assessments be used for eligible students with disabilities for whom the Alternate Portfolio Assessment is appropriate under the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that an alternate assessment for eligible Special Education students be administered for the 2009-2010 school year. All schools with eligible Special Education students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 shall participate in the Alternate Portfolio Assessment this school year. There is also an alternate assessment for Special Education students in mathematics at grade 9 and science at grade 10, as required by No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
The webinar training for implementation of the Alternate Portfolio Assessment for 2009-2010 will be September 4, 2009, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for Special Education supervisors, district testing coordinators, and/or teachers of students with disabilities. The webinar may be broadcast at each of the school districts through a computer Internet link to the virtual meeting room that will be sent to all superintendents. Districts are required to have a location for Special Education supervisors, district testing coordinators, and/or teachers of students with disabilities to view the webinar to obtain updated information for this school year.
The ADE Special Education Section is using ADOBE Connect software to provide the meeting space. Technology requirements include: Internet connection with a browser and an installed copy of Flash Player 8 or higher. To attend the meeting as a group, the computer should be hooked up to an LCD projector and a portable microphone placed near the computer speakers to enable participants to hear and see the presentation. Each district may only have one viewing location due to the limitations of this type of presentation.
Participants need to bring the Alternate Portfolio Assessment Administration Manual received by the district to the webinar presentation. Manuals may also be downloaded from the Arkansas Department of Education Web site, http://arkansased.org by following these steps:
*Click the Testing Logo
*Choose ACTAAP, which is located on the left menu
*Click on Student Assessment, also located on the left menu
*Scroll down to middle of page
*Select Alternate Portfolio System
*Scroll down to the Administration Manuals and select the appropriate manual for Students with Disabilities
Registration will be done via e-mail through the district superintendent to: Charlotte Marvel, charlotte.marvel@arkansas.gov.