Parent Information Center

The developers of IASEP recognize that a student's assessment needs to be a team effort between parents and professionals. This page is dedicated to meeting the needs of parents as they seek to be active members of their child's assessment team. If you read or hear some terms which are unfamiliar to you, check out our glossary for parents. We have also compiled a page of links which may be of interest to parents visiting this site.

The Assessment Research Center at Purdue University has developed and is refining three assessment systems at the request of the Indiana Department of Education: IASEP, DIAS, and ECAS. The actual selection of an assessment for your child is made by his or her case conference committee at your child's annual case conference. Which assessment is appropriate and available to your child's teacher? The answer to this depends on two factors:

1. Your child's eligibility category and age

IASEP is designed for students in elementary school through twelfth grade who have moderate or severe disabilities and require an extensive level of support. The academic skills which are rated within IASEP currently are based on the kindergarten through third grade state standards. Standards for more grades may be available in the future. In addition, the assessment includes items from non-academic domains such as personal adjustment and vocational experiences.

DIAS is designed to be used with general education and special education K-12 students. DIAS will include two modules: DIAS with ISTEP+ and DIAS Alternate Assessment. DIAS with ISTEP+ is designed for students who are working at or near grade level. These students are also expected to participate in the ISTEP+ assessment in grades 3, 6, 8 and 10. DIAS Alternate Assessment is designed for students who have mild disabilities and whose case conference committees have determined that the ISTEP+ assessment is not appropriate. Participating in this alternate assessment does not qualify a student for meeting the Graduation Qualifying Examination, currently required for obtaining a high school diploma.

ECAS is designed for all children, with or without identified disabilities, who are enrolled in an early childhood program. The academic skills which are rated within ECAS are based on the kindergarten through second grade state standards.

2. Where you live in relation to where each of the systems is available

IASEP is in its second year of full implementation. It has been made available to all school districts in the state of Indiana. Most school districts currently use IASEP as an alternative to ISTEP+ testing for special education students who have moderate or severe disabilities.

DIAS is currently in the development phase. Thirteen planning districts participated in a pilot project last year. DIAS is still being used by a few teachers in those districts this year. During the 2001-2002 school year a new Web based application of DIAS is being developed. It is anticipated that this version, DIAS 2000, will be available to public and private school teachers during the 2002-2003 school year. Because of the technology involved, each school superintendent or principal will need to decide if this option will be available to specific school faculties.

ECAS is still in the pilot phase of development. Last year it was used in eight participating pilot locations. Teachers in most of the pilot sites continue to use the program and provide feedback. Stakeholders continue to meet and serve along with teachers in an advisory capacity to develop materials and enhance the program in preparation for wider distribution in the fall of 2002.