The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) requires each district to review its Alternate Assessment participation data from the Spring 2025 administration, per the Every Student Succeeds Act (34 CFR § 200.6 (c)(3)). All Wyoming school districts must complete the Annual 1% Threshold Reporting Form, including the descriptions and supporting evidence needed for Section 4, by January 30, 2026.
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 they will exceed 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, following the state’s guidelines for participation in the alternate assessment.
The Annual 1% Threshold Reporting Form is used to: support district analysis of current assessment data; submit formal assurances that this analysis has been completed; and report if the district anticipates that more than 1.0% of assessed students will use the WY-ALT during the 2025-26 school year. The submission of the survey and supporting evidence will also serve as justification that meets the requirements of 34 CFR § 200.6 (c)(3).
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. Use of the Wyoming Extended Standards should also be a priority for students considered for the WY-ALT assessment.
For more information, contact Becca Velikaneye, Assessment Consultant, at rebecca.velikaneye@wyo.gov or 307-777-6804.
