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Montana IDEA General Supervision Enhancement Grant (2005-2007)

Measured Progress helped the Montana OPI to develop an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards to include a group of students with disabilities for whom the current options, the CRT with or without accommodations and the CRT–Alternate, did not provide valid test results. These students need modified academic content and a different pace of instruction. They are not achieving grade level expectations, but are working toward them.

The one-year pilot study investigated the feasibility of developing alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards. According to a new federal policy, announced in April, 2005, states may count up to 2% of the total student population as proficient for AYP accountability purposes judged against modified achievement standards. This project followed the US DOE recommended test development procedures, and allowed Montana to engage Measured Progress to develop an assessment that fits seamlessly within the current system. The pilot test, the “CRT–Modified” is aligned with and scaled to the CRT. It will be possible to see how close to the grade level achievement standards the student scores, so teachers can use the results to plan for instruction that leads the student toward grade level achievement levels.

The CRT–Modified was developed as a paper and pencil test and includes items that are known to show “proficient” achievement at grade level and several grade levels below. This format allows students to be counted in the accountability system in one of two ways. First, it is likely that some students can achieve grade level proficiency by successfully completing the most difficult items on the CRT–Modified. Second, it is possible for a student to be counted as proficient for accountability purposes based on modified achievement standards, if within the 2% gap, as some of the items reflect proficiency at lower grade levels.

Research Reports

Montana CRT–Modified Feasibility Study, by Judy Snow, PowerPoint presented at 2007 CCSSO Large Scale Assessment Conference in Nashville, TN