Introduction

The Rhode Island Alternate Assessment (RIAA) is for the small number of students who cannot participate in large-scale assessments even with accommodations. The RIAA is based on Alternate Assessment Grade Span Expectations (AAGSEs) in reading, mathematics, science, and writing that are an extension of the NECAP Grade Level Expectations (GLEs).

The RIAA assesses content knowledge through a series of Structured Performance Tasks. These tasks also incorporate and promote enhanced capacities and integrated life opportunities for students with moderate, severe, and profound disabilities. Teachers collect data and student work to assess the student's progress, accuracy, and independence. The collected evidence provides documentation to ensure that there is a connection between the academic content contained the AAGSEs and the classroom instruction the student receives.