2019 TASH Conference

Alternate assessment has been promoted as an opportunity for increasing expectations, providing equal access to curriculum, improving instructional programs, and increasing consideration of students with SSN in policy (Browder et al., 2003). Despite these promises, students with significant support needs remain excluded from many general education settings, raising questions about the actual impact of alternate assessment policy on students' experiences in schools. While a great deal of research has been published examining the validity of various alternate assessments, very little attention has been given to the effects of alternate assessment policy on students' access to meaningful curriculum in general education settings. In this presentation, we provide (a) an overview of research that has been conducted on the implementation of alternate assessment, and (b) a critical analysis of alternate assessment policy, regulations, and implementation. Discussion will highlight the need for research on the effects of alternate assessment on decisions about curriculum and inclusion for students with SSN.