VAAP Decision-Making Tool: Changes for Families to Know & Locally Verified Credit Information

On July 1, 2024 the Virginia Dept. of Education (VDOE) began requiring the use of a new decision-making tool for IEP teams to determine whether a student qualifies for the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP). VDOE hosted two webinars to inform families of these changes, and while slides were shared with those who registered, neither webinar was recorded.

In an effort to ensure our families are informed, we are uploading the slides from the VAAP Decision-Making Tool Informational Session for Families to this post. Some important points to highlight:

• There have been NO changes to the actual participation criteria. The only changes that have been made are how to document the discussion and decision-making process.
• As has always been the case, an IQ score (or commensurate) – or lack thereof – cannot be the sole determining factor as to whether a student qualifies for VAAP or not.
• The VAAP is intended for students with the “most significant cognitive” disabilities. Federal law requires that a maximum of 1% of students may be assessed with an alternate assessment.
• Students who take the VAAP are working towards an Applied Studies diploma, not a Standard or Advanced diploma.

Here are the slides from VDOE’s presentation:

Locally Verified Credit for Standard Diplomas

Families also requested information regarding credit accommodations for students with disabilities who are working towards a standard diploma. The links that were shared that night are listed below:

Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Credit Accommodations at a Glance

Understanding the Special Permission Locally Awarded Verified Credit Accommodation for Students with Disabilities