Purpose of assessment: The Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) is designed to evaluate the performance of students with significant cognitive disabilities who are working on academic standards that have been reduced in complexity and depth. This content is derived from the Standards of Learning (SOL) and is referred to as the Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL). Students in grades 3-8 who are participating in the VAAP are required to submit evidence in the same subject areas as required of their non-disabled peers in the same grade level. High School students participating in the VAAP are required to submit evidence in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history/social sciences by the end of their completion of grade 11 (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/alternative_assessments/vaap_va_alt_assessment_prog/index.shtml).

Grades Taking the assessment: 3-11

Dates: Collections of Evidence (COE) are collected throughout the year and are submitted for to the school division and scored by locally maintained scorers or scoring teams. An audit is then completed by the State. 

What to expect during the assessment: Based on their needs, students participating in the VAAP will be assessed on grade level Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOLs). Students will be asked to show their knowledge on various “piece of evidence.” Evidence collected for the VAAP must be completed to the extent possible, in the presence of the teacher or other school personnel and under testing conditions. Staff manage the collection of evidence and submit a “binder” of materials to show their knowledge.

Practice links: None

What Does the Scores Mean: understanding_vaap_report-2

Resources based on the results: Contact your student’s teacher to discuss the results of the VAAP.