What is the alternate assessment, and what students may use it?
There is currently one alternate assessment in the Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS), the WAAS-Portfolio, which is intended for a small number of students with significant disabilities who are unable to take the MSP/HSPE, even with accommodations. In 2006, a second type of alternate assessment, the developmentally-appropriate WASL (WAAS-DAW), was available for use. After use in the 2006 testing cycle, ED disallowed the use of this assessment. For more information about the WAAS, refer to Guidelines for Participation and Testing Accommodations for Special Populations at http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/assessment.aspx.
