In Texas, students with significant cognitive disabilities may be eligible for the STAAR Alternate Assessment. This specialized assessment route is designed to accommodate those whose educational needs cannot be accurately measured by the standard State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Here, we delve into the criteria that define eligibility for this alternative assessment method, ensuring clarity for educators, parents, and caregivers.
Defining Significant Cognitive Disability
A student with a significant cognitive disability in Texas is characterized by profound intellectual and adaptive behavior deficits. These deficits impact the student’s capacity for planning, comprehension, and reasoning. More so, these students exhibit challenges in adaptive behaviors, which are critical for applying social and practical skills. Such skills include personal care, social problem-solving, dressing, eating, handling money, and other necessary functional skills across various life domains.
Criteria for Eligibility
Eligibility for the STAAR Alternate Assessment is not determined merely by a student’s language skills, previous academic performance, or the need for academic accommodations. Rather, it is based on a set of specific criteria:
Intellectual and Adaptive Behavior Deficits: The student must demonstrate considerable difficulties in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting major life activities.
Exclusion of Other Factors: The student’s significant cognitive disability must not be identified solely based on being an English learner, previous low academic achievements, or merely the need for educational accommodations.
Need for Intensive Support: The student requires extensive, direct, and individualized instruction, as well as substantial supports. These supports are not temporary and extend beyond specific content areas, indicating a pervasive and enduring need for assistance in their educational journey.
The Role of STAAR Alternate Assessment
This tailored assessment approach allows for a more appropriate evaluation of students' academic abilities and learning progress, ensuring that assessments are reflective of their learning conditions and not just their disability. It aims to provide these students with a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in an environment suited to their specific learning needs.
For educators and parents, understanding these criteria is crucial for accessing the necessary resources and support systems to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes of students with significant cognitive disabilities in Texas. This knowledge ensures that all students receive the most effective and appropriate educational assessments, tailored to their unique learning requirements.
For more info ... https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/testing/staar-alternate-2-participation-requirements0.pdf
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