The North Dakota Alternate Assessment (NDAA) is for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. North Dakota uses the instructionally-embedded model of Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) which means that the testlets are administered throughout the school year and are embedded into the student’s instruction. The embedded DLM format allows teachers to adjust the complexity level of testlets based on student need. In this way, teachers may assess student learning and provide additional instruction based on assessment results. The assessment may then positively impact instruction for each student. The testlets are designed to be given on multiple days throughout each testing window. The fall window runs from September 14 – December 18, 2020 and the spring window runs from February 1 – May 21, 2021.
The IEP team will discuss instruction and testing options for those students who qualify to take the NDAA. The NDAA Distance Learning Decision Tree below can help guide a team through this discussion. Once a decision has been made it can be documented on the optional NDAA Distance Learning Form or in another way selected by the special education unit.
Distance Learners
1% Justification
Exceptional Accommodations Guidance and Request
ND Alternate Assessment ELA-Math - For grades 3-8, and 10
Instructionally Embedded Window: Full Blueprints MUST be completed FALL and SPRING Windows
Fall Window
September 18 - December 18, 2020
Spring Window
February 1 - May 21, 2021
NDAA Science Grades 4, 8, 10
Window:
March 15 - May 7, 2021
NDAA ELA/Math Reporting Guides
Guidelines for Simplified Test Directions