The Development of a Computer-Based Alternate Assessment System

Copyright© 2000 by Purdue Research Foundation

Deborah E. Bennett, Ph.D.
Purdue University

Melanie A. Davis, Ph.D.
Purdue University

*This research was funded by the following:
Indiana Department of Education: Division of Special Education
Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security
Purdue University Multimedia Instructional Development Center

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an alternate assessment system for students with more significant disabilities. This system integrates what is known about effective feedback in classroom assessment with broader requirements for system accountability under the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 95-107, 1997). The alternate assessment provides teachers with customized computer software and documentation tools that are used to collect meaningful student performance data from multiple sources on an ongoing basis. The assessment system evolved through an extensive committee process during which input from a variety of stakeholders was sought. The paper summarizes this development process, describes the computer-based rating and documentation system, and discusses the technical adequacy of the resulting alternate assessment.

Contents:

1. Abstract
2. Federal Mandate: Accountability for All
3. The Alternate Assessment Challenge
4. One Translation of IDEA’97
5. Stakeholder Process
6. Initial Validation of Essential Skills
7. Linking Skill Rating with Electronic Documentation
8. Teacher-Parent Training
9. Description of Students
10. Technical Adequacy of the Alternate Assessment System
11. Revising the System
12. Selection of 100 Core Items
13. Leveling
14. Discussion
15. References

 

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