Heartland AEA Is Offering Learning Sessions for Teachers Who Administer Alternate Assessment

This is a reminder that any teacher supporting students with intellectual disabilities needs to be certified to administer an alternate assessment. The Early Literacy Alternate Assessment (ELAA) is for teachers of students with significant intellectual disabilities in K-6 who use the alternate assessment rather than the FAST. The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) is the statewide assessment for students with significant intellectual disabilities in Grades 3-11 for whom alternate assessment has been designated by an IEP team.

Certification information should have been sent to district facilitators. The certification process for both tests is completed through self-directed online trainings in AEA PD Online Learning System. Districts decide how best to certify teachers. Most districts have teachers complete training early in the school year on district time in individual or small group sessions.

Heartland AEA will host two learning sessions for teachers of students with significant intellectual disabilities who participate in either the ELAA or DLM. AEA staff will support technical troubleshooting and answer questions. There is no formal training beyond the self-study.

Training Opportunities

Alternate Assessment Certification Training for K-6 ELAA
Sept. 5 or Sept. 26, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center

(Repeat session, teachers choose one or the other)
Register at this link using course #180545

Teachers must pass certification prior to administering the ELAA. State procedures require evidence to be collected starting the first week of school. Teachers who wait until Sept. 26 to be certified must familiarize themselves with and follow the evidence gathering requirements.

Alternate Assessment Certification Training for DLM grades 3-12
Sept. 5 or Sept. 26, 2019
12:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center

(Repeat session, teachers choose one or the other)
Register at this link using course #180544

Teachers must pass certification prior to administering the DLM. The first testing window closes Nov. 1, 2019.

Additional information on Alternate Assessment can be found on the Heartland AEA website or at the Iowa Department of Education website. The Iowa Department of Education will be sending district alternate assessment contacts more information via email.