Q: If a student breaks his/her dominant arm, is a 504 Accommodation Plan necessary to make accommodations on the state tests?
A: No. According to the new Participation Guidelines from the state, “students with transitory impairments (impairment with an actual or expected duration of six months or less) are not regarded as individuals with disabilities if the impairment is transitory and minor.” See the Participation Guidelines, pg. 10, for more information. Full guidelines are available online at
http://www.eed.alaska.gov/tls/assessment/pdf_files/ParticipationGuidelinesWeb_2011.pdf
Q: What are the proficient scores for the HSGQE (High School Graduation Qualifying Exam)?
A: Reading: 287; Writing 304; Math 328
Q: I submitted my students’ application for their HSGQE. The exam is in October. How do I know if the modifications were approved?
A: Any HSGQE modifications which do not have a corresponding “Date approved” in the database are still considered pending and should not be implemented during the fall HSGQE re-test. Case managers can contact Laura Rhyner if they believe modifications that are listed as pending should be listed as approved.
Q: How about use of CDs or readers during the HSGQE?
A: CD recordings of the test questions for the writing and math tests are available to order from the state. If you have students who need test questions read aloud, and for whom CD recordings of the test would be appropriate, please make sure that the accommodations box for “Using test contractor audio version of the HSGQE on writing and mathematics tests,” is checked on the IEP. If this accommodation is necessary and the box is not checked on the student’s IEP, you will need to do an amendment to add the accommodation. For students who are first-time HSGQE testers, this box may not have been checked on previous IEPs.
Q: What are the proficiency scores for the SBAs (Standards-Based Assessments)?
A: Reading: 300; Writing: 300; Math: 300
Q: Why did I get an email from Darla or Rebecca about my paperwork, and why is there a red “M” showing on a student of mine in the database?
A: Paperwork is to be completed and sent home to parents within two (2) weeks after the close of the meeting. Case managers have one (1) additional week to have paperwork in the hands of Darla or Rebecca at the District Office. If paperwork is not received at the District Office within three (3) weeks of the meeting held, a “red M” will be marked in the sped database and an email will be sent to the case manager. If a second reminder is needed, the email will be sent to the case manager and copied to the school principal.
Q: Is it all right to write 1:1 adult or aide in a student’s IEP?
A: At times, IEP teams may determine that a student requires additional adult support for a student to be able to benefit from the services provided through their IEPs. Refrain from stating in IEPs that a student needs a one-to-one aide. Instead state the need: Student requires additional adult support for instruction and behavior throughout the school day, or for whatever the IEP determined need is. And always consult with your program coordinator.