*What is the New York State Alternate
Assessment (NYSAA)?
The NYSAA is part of the New York State testing
program that measures student performance
on alternate achievement standards in the
areas of English language arts (ELA),
mathematics, and science for students with
the most severe cognitive disabilities.
These standards are reduced in
complexity from the learning standards.
*What do we mean by students with the most
severe cognitive disabilities?
“Students with the most severe cognitive
disabilities” can be defined as students who
have limited cognitive abilities, combined with
behavioral and/or physical limitations, and
who require highly specialized educational,
social, psychological, and medical services in
order to maximize their full potential for useful
and meaningful participation in society and for
self-fulfillment.
*Who should take the NYSAA?
Only students with the most severe cognitive
disabilities are eligible to take the NYSAA.
The Committee on Special Education (CSE)
determines whether a student with a severe
cognitive disability is eligible to take the
NYSAA, based on the following criteria:
•
The student has a severe cognitive disability,
significant deficits in communication/
language, and significant deficits in adaptive
behavior; and
•
The student requires a highly specialized
educational program that facilitates the
acquisition, applications, and transfer of
skills across natural environments (home,
school, community, and/or workplace); and
•
The student requires educational support
systems, such as assistive technology,
personal care services, health/medical
services, or behavioral intervention.
For more information on the NYSAA, please use the following link to access the NYSAA Parent Quick Guide
A Parent's Guide to New York State Alternate Assessment