New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)

The New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) is a part of the New York State Testing Program. Starting with the 2013-14 administration, the NYSAA is based on a new test design with requirements that reflect the updated assessment. The NYSAA is a datafolio-style assessment in which students with severe cognitive disabilities demonstrate their performance toward achieving the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards in English language arts and mathematics. In addition, this assessment measures the New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriculum in science and social studies. Eligibility for participation in NYSAA is determined by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) according to criteria described in the Administrators' Manual. Student performance is recorded through direct observation and documentation and may include other information such as student work products, photographs, audio and videotapes. Students must be assessed once a year beginning in the school year they become 9 years old through the school year they become 14 (grade equivalents 3-8). The secondary level NYSAA is administered during the school year they become 17-18 years of age (high school).