Guidelines for Alternate Assessment
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to develop alternate assessments to measure the performance of students with disabilities who are unable to participate in the traditional large-scale standardized assessments used by districts and states. Students with disabilities differ greatly in their ability to respond to academic requirements. Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD) was administered for the first time in spring 2013. The AASCD is aligned to Ohio’s Academic Content Standards-Extended (OACS-E) and designed to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in an appropriately rigorous assessment. The AASCD is administered by grade band (3-5, 6-8, OGT). All students are assessed in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 are also assessed in science. Students taking the OGT-AASCD are also assessed in science and social studies.
For general information regarding Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities, visit:
For information on each state’s alternate assessments for students with disabilities, as reported by the National Center on Educational Outcomes, visit:
Alternate Assessments: Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards
A reference created by the National Center on Educational Outcomes in collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education that provides families with information on alternate assessment.
For information on Ohio’s Academic Content Standards Extended (OACS-E) visit:
For online training on Ohio’s Academic Content Standards Extended (OACS-E), visit:
Ohio Statewide Assessment Program Rule Book
A reference for Ohio school officials responsible for statewide testing that provides information related to the K-12 assessment program in the state of Ohio.
Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Directions for Administration Manual (Spring 2013)
A resource for school personnel responsible for administering the alternate assessment to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Test Coordinator’s Manual (Spring 2013)
A resource for District Test Coordinators and Building Test Coordinators.