Alternate Assessment System for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities

DoWEA requires membership in an Alternate Assessment System Consortium that includes member participation in policy decisions. DoWEA requires the membership to include the provision of a computer-based adaptive performance-style, alternate assessment program in ELA/literacy and mathematics for students in grades 3-8 and 11 with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The alternate assessments shall align with DoWEA’s following needs: (1) assessment measures the Alternate Achievement Standards; (2) vendor-hosted assessment management and delivery systems; (3) summative and interim alternate assessments, (4) assessment scoring and reporting (5) product training and administration resources, (6) professional learning, and (7) technical support services. The proposed summative and interim alternate assessments shall meet industry standards and be fully developed and ready for administration beginning in school year 2026-27. DoWEA also requires program management support services to ensure requirements are delivered on time and in accordance with contract specifications. DoWEA expects to award one contract for a 5-year base period. The table below shows the total number of assessments by type and the estimated annual quantities.