The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) oversees statewide assessments. These tests are an integral part of the instructional cycle and fulfill several purposes for educators, students, families, policy makers, and community members. Assessments administered at the state, district/charter, and school levels combine to form a system of assessment with the goal of supporting student growth.

For students with significant cognitive disabilities – determined by the student’s Individualized education program (IEP) team – Delaware offers alternate assessments in English language arts (ELA)/literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. These assessments are designed to assess what students with disabilities know and can do based on the Delaware state standards. Delaware’s alternate assessments serve about 1 percent of the Delaware testing population. The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires DDOE obtain a waiver request when the total number of students participate in alternate assessments exceeds 1 percent.

General Overview

  1. Students tested: Eligible students in grades 3-8 and 11 (ELA, math) and grades 5, 8 (science) and grade 10 (biology)
  2. Test dates: Testing is held each fall and spring. View the testing calendar.
  3. Scoring: Students are scored using one of four Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs): emerging, approaching the target, at target, advanced. The scores are based determined by the DeSSA-Alternate Assessment Performance Level Category Ranges.
  4. State/district results: school performance information as well as current and prior-year data.
  5. Test provider: The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM®) Consortium is made up of state departments of education who use and develop the DLM Alternate Assessment system.
  6. Test type: Uses a learning map model; students demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding to meet Essential Elements (EEs).
  7. Additional supports: Essential Elements (EEs) are grade-level-specific expectations about what students with the most significant cognitive disabilities should know and be able to do. EEs are related to college- and career-readiness standards for all students.

Resources

Decision Tree: Alternate Assessment – Used by the student IEP team to help determine eligibility for alternate assessments.

Companion Guide for the DeSSA-Alternate Decision-Making Tool

Guidance and Procedures for Implementing the Decision-Making Tool

Family resources – Access alternate assessment resources for families, including guides, accessibility support, FAQs, and more.

Digital DE – Find the most-current resources for Delaware educators to support students in all learning environments. Additional resources are available in the Alternate Assessments Schoology group. Please email Michelle Jackson if you need access.

Delaware Communication Portfolio Summary (DCPS)

Students with the most-intense communication needs may also be considered for the Delaware Communication Portfolio Summary (DCPS). Under Delaware law, this portfolio option must be available for students who – even with accommodations – do not have a consistent and reliable means of communication currently understood by others. DCPS measures the development of student communication skills throughout the school year.

Students who participate in DCPS are federally required to also participate in the DeSSA-Alt and will receive scores for the annual statewide assessments.