Per the Every Student Succeeds Act (34 CFR § 200.6 (c)(3)), the WDE requires each district to review the district’s Alternate Assessment participation data from the Spring 2026 administration and submit assurances of review of said data by January 29, 2027, through the Annual 1% Threshold Reporting Form.
ALT Assessment Justifications
The Every Student Succeeds Act (34 CFR § 200.6 (c)(3)) requires states to ensure the total number of students assessed using an alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities does not exceed 1.0% of the total number of all students assessed in the state. States that anticipate exceeding 1.0% are required to request a federal waiver and verify that each district or community school the state anticipates will assess more than 1.0% of its assessed students, in any subject, using an alternate assessment, follows the state’s guidelines for participation in the alternate assessment.
This Annual 1% Threshold Reporting Form is intended to support district analysis of current assessment data, provide each district with the means to submit assurances of data analysis, and is a tool for districts to report if anticipating that more than 1.0% of assessed students will be using the WY-ALT during the 2025-26 school year. Submitting the survey and supporting evidence will serve as justification that meets the requirements of 34 CFR § 200.6(c)(3). This survey, including the descriptions and supporting evidence needed for Section 4, must be completed by all Wyoming school districts by January 29, 2027.
REMINDER: Due to the delay in results, the data requested in the survey may not populate in the WDE Confidential Portal until September 28.
ALT Assessment Participation
Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), addresses students participating in alternate assessments aligned with alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS) of the statewide assessment system. When considering the WY-ALT assessment as appropriate for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities (SMSCD), IEP teams should consult the updated Wyoming Alternate Assessment Participation Guidance and guidance video. Prioritize the use of the Wyoming Extended Standards for students considered for the WY-ALT assessment.
For more information, contact Becca Velikaneye, Assessment Consultant, at rebecca.velikaneye@wyo.gov or 307-275-0210.
