OSSE is committed to the inclusion of students with significant cognitive disabilities in the District of Columbia’s assessment and accountability system to ensure the appropriate allocation of resources and learning opportunities for all. Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities take alternate statewide assessments in place of DC CAPE, the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) and Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Science Alternate Assessment.
Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA)
The MSAA is a comprehensive assessment system designed to promote higher academic outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities in preparation for a broader array of post-secondary outcomes. The MSAA’s English language arts and mathematics assessments are required for students in grades 3-8 and 11, who qualify for the alternate assessment. The MSAA is primarily administered online, with built-in supports to help students respond independently. Depending on students’ individual needs, some students will interact directly with the computer while others will interact with printed materials provided by the test administrator. For resources and additional information about the MSAA, visit OSSE’s MSAA webpage.
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Science Alternate Assessment
?is the new districtwide alternate science assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The DLM Science Alternate Assessment is based on that are alternate achievement standards based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This assessment will be administered to students in grades 5, 8, and high school biology who are eligible for alternate assessment participation. The DLM Science Alternate assessment is an on-demand, computer-based assessment. For resources and additional information about DLM, visit OSSE’s DLM webpage.
Alternate Assessment Eligibility
Alternate statewide assessments are available for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities as an alternative to participating in the general statewide assessments. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) places a 1% cap on student participation in the alternate assessments. This cap is intended to limit the number of students to ensure that the alternate assessments are only given for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
Eligibility for participation in any alternate assessment begins with LEAs completing the appropriate documentation in the Special Programs database. During the IEP development process, or through an IEP amendment, Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams are to carefully review the OSSE’s participation criteria to identify individual students for whom it may be most appropriate to participate in the alternate assessment program. Additional information about the alternate assessment eligibility process can be found on OSSE's alternate assessment eligibility webpage.
Accessibility for All Students
OSSE is committed to providing equitable assessment opportunities for students in the District of Columbia. More information can be found on OSSE’s Testing Accommodations page.