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PA Alternative System of Assessment (PASA)

The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) is a statewide alternate assessment designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Specifically, it is intended for those who are unable to participate meaningfully in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) even with accommodations. By administering the PASA to students with severe disabilities, schools achieve compliance with federal laws and the Pennsylvania School Code that require that all students participate in the statewide accountability system. The PASA is an individually administered test given each spring to students by their teacher or another certified test administrator who knows the student well. Test administration can be adapted so that even students with the most severe disabilities can participate in the assessment and receive a score. The test is administered to students in the equivalent of grades 3 through 8 and 11.

PASA Exceeding Threshold

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the Pennsylvania Alternative System of Assessment (PASA) does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments in grades 3- 8 and 11. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification form to the Bureau of Special Education if it anticipates that more than 1.0 % of its students enrolled in these grades will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Central Dauphin School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2019-20 testing cycle. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions regarding the participation rates for the Central Dauphin School District should be submitted to the Director of Special Education. 

Document Word File for Download PDF for Download
Criteria for Participation in the PASA WORD PDF