WY-ALT

Statewide Alternate Assessment: WY-ALT

Wyoming’s alternate assessment, WY-ALT, is the state summative alternate assessment that assesses students’ proficiency based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS) or the Wyoming Extended Standards (WYES). The WY-ALT allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in an appropriately rigorous assessment. Students in grades 3-10 are tested in English language arts and Mathematics. Additionally, students in grades 4, 8, and 10 are tested in Science. The alternate assessment is designed for a small number of students designated as a Student with the Most Significant Cognitive Disability (SMSCD). It is part of a statewide instructionally supportive assessment system that complies with the requirements of federal accountability law and the IDEA. The results of the WY-ALT, along with other measures of student performance, will enable teachers to provide individualized academic instruction to enable students to achieve high standards of academic performance and improve instructional programs. A student’s participation on the alternate assessment is appropriate when the IEP Team designates a student as a Student with the Most Significant Cognitive Disability (SMSCD) and determines that the student’s academic achievement is best measured by the WYES. The WYES, though reduced in breadth, depth, and complexity, are linked to the WYCPS and define the knowledge and skills which students are expected to master at appropriate levels of challenge. Educators ensure access to the general academic curriculum through teaching and learning opportunities aligned to the WYES Academic Learning Descriptors (ALDs). Educators employ a wide range of instructional strategies as determined by a student’s individual learning characteristics and communication modes and levels, and through the use of adapted, grade-level appropriate materials. Students who are using the WYES can receive instruction in the general education classroom and can graduate with a high school diploma or a certificate of completion. IEP teams should be aware that participation in the WY-ALT may affect graduation pathways.

Required Training

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