Examining an Alternate Assessment: What Are We Testing?

This study reviewed the alternate assessment results ( N = 1,404) from 1 state that uses a portfolio system. It addressed 3 main questions: (a) the extent to which assessment content was linked to the state’s general curricular standards, (b) the types of tasks that operationalized the general curricular standards, and (c) the correlation of the completeness of the portfolio with student performance. Although we found connections to the general curriculum on paper, the actual tasks used to represent the standards raised concerns about the strength of those connections. Additionally, we noted serious concerns with construct underrepresentation. Finally, practical issues with portfolio assembly may be contributing to poor student performance. We present implications for practice in the context of federal regulations such as No Child Left Behind and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, as well as existing research on alternate assessment practices.