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Understanding the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP)

Understanding the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP)
The Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) is a crucial component of the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP), designed specifically for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. But what does this mean for students, parents, and educators?

First, let's understand the broader context. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 ensures that students with disabilities are not excluded from the educational accountability system. This is a fundamental step toward inclusive education, guaranteeing that every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to participate in state and district-wide assessments.

For students with disabilities on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), inclusion in these assessments is mandatory. The IEP team, which includes educators, parents, and specialists, determines annually how each student will participate—whether it's with accommodations, without accommodations, or through an alternate assessment like the OAAP.

The OAAP mirrors the general assessment system in terms of grade levels and subjects. It uses the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment System to measure the academic content knowledge of students with significant cognitive disabilities. This ensures that these students are assessed fairly and accurately, according to standards that match their unique learning needs.

Here are some key points about the OAAP:

Importantly, the ESSA mandates that no more than 1% of all tested students may participate in an alternate assessment. This ensures that the majority of students are assessed through the general assessment system, promoting inclusivity and equity.

IEP teams play a critical role in this process. Before considering eligibility for the OAAP, they must discuss the accommodations needed for students to participate in the general assessment. This ensures that every possible effort is made to include students in the standard assessment system before moving to an alternate assessment.

In summary, the OAAP is a vital part of Oklahoma's commitment to inclusive education. It ensures that students with significant cognitive disabilities are assessed in a way that reflects their abilities and provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate their academic knowledge. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by the ESSA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education, we can ensure that all students are given the chance to succeed.

For more information, please follow this link.

Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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