Arkansas' Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) requires that alternate assessments be developed for LEP students and students with disabilities for whom the student's IEP team has determined to be eligible for the alternate assessment. The IDEA requires that an alternate assessment system for eligible special education students be available effective July 1, 2000.
Since the fall of 1998, a Task Force chaired by Bob Watson, Superintendent of the El Dorado School District, has worked to develop an alternate assessment system. A portfolio assessment system was recommended to the State Board of Education in November of 1998. The Board accepted the recommendation of the Task Force and directed it to proceed with developing a protocol, rubric for scoring and training materials.
During Spring 2000, LEP and Special Education personnel in six school districts are engaged in a limited field-test of the portfolio system. Based on the experiences they encounter, modifications will made and training developed for all teachers in Arkansas who have students participating in the alternate assessment for the 2000-2001 school year. During the 2000-2001 school year, a large-scale, statewide pilot will be conducted to establish baseline data.
To ensure that staff participating in the implementation of the alternate assessment system have adequate training, it is crucial that the ADE know the number of personnel to be trained. Please complete the attached survey and return it to the ADE by May 12, 2000. Training will be conducted in the first nine-weeks of the 2000-2001 school year. Information regarding the training will be disseminated in early August, 2000.
Contacts
Andre Guerrero - (501) 682-5014/aguerrero@arkedu.k12.ar.us
Margaret Crank - (501) 682-4396/mcrank@arkedu.k12.ar.us
Aleecia Starkey - (501) 682-4222/astarkey@arkedu.k12.ar.us