New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)
NYSAA is part of the New York State testing program that measures the attainment of the State’s learning standards in the areas of English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science for all students with the most severe disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school. In the 2015-16 school year, NYSAA began using computer-based testing for the ELA and mathematics components. In the 2017-18 school year, NYSAA no longer includes a Social Studies component. For the 2019-20 school year, he NYSAA in ELA, mathematics, and science will be assessed using Dynamic Learning Maps alternate assessment.
English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate assessment is a computer-delivered adaptive assessment measuring a student's achievement of the ELA, Mathematics, and Science State Standards at a reduced level of depth, breadth, and complexity. This computerized assessment provides the opportunity to customize the assessment to the individual abilities and needs of the student. It is designed to measure a wide range of proficiencies of students, is quicker and easier to administer and score, and provides useful information to teachers to inform future instruction for the student.
NYSAA Test Administration Resources
2020-21 NYSAA Test Window: March 8, 2021 – June 11, 2021
2020-21 NYSAA ELA, Mathematics and Science (DLM)
Justification for School Districts Exceeding the 1.0 Percent on Students Participating in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/justification-for-districts-exceeding-one-percent-cap-nysaa.html
NYSED Special Education website: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/new-york-state-alternate-assessment.html
2020-21 Memos
- Birthdate Ranges for Students with Disabilities Participating in the 2020-21 NYSAA
- Updated, October 2020 - Suspension of the New York State Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State Assessments for the Remainder of the School Year in Response to COVID-19 Related School and District Closures - March 20, 2020
- 2020-21 Elementary- and Intermediate- Level Testing Schedule - June 2020
- Process to Medically Excuse a Student with a Severe Cognitive Disability from Participation in the NYSAA
- The Provision of Oral Translations for the New York State Alternate Assessments in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science
- A Parent’s Quick Guide to the NYSAA
- Spanish Version: A Parent’s Quick Guide to the NYSAA
- Accessibility Supports for Students with Severe Cognitive Disabilities Tested on the NYSAA in ELA and in Mathematics
- NYSAA Eligibility and Participation Criteria
- Eligibility Criteria for Participation in the NYSAA, Policy Brief and Memo