What are alternative assessments primarily designed for?

Alternative assessments are primarily designed for students with moderate to severe disabilities. This approach recognizes that traditional testing methods may not accurately reflect the abilities and knowledge of these students due to their unique challenges. Alternative assessments provide a more tailored and flexible means of evaluating student progress and capabilities, considering individual strengths and learning styles.

For students with moderate to severe disabilities, these assessments can include performance-based evaluations, portfolios, and observational assessments, which allow educators to gather a more holistic understanding of a student's skills and learning. This method supports the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) that cater to specific needs and goals.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned may be better suited to more standardized assessment methods, as their performance may be easier to measure through traditional means.