MSAA

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is Maine’s assessment of alternate achievement standards in the content areas of mathematics and English language arts/literacy. This assessment is administered in grades 3-8 and 3rd year of high school and is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The assessment is computer-based.  Paper-based tests are available to print only with an IEP approved accommodation.  As a partner state of the MSAA Consortium, Maine continues to participate in the ongoing development cycle of this assessment. 

The MSAA utilizes the Core Content Connectors (CCCs), which have been developed to enable students with the most significant cognitive disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do in relation to content derived from state standards. CCCs are smaller, more accessible steps which are derived from the Common Core State Standards and aligned to the Maine Learning Results.  

Preparing for Assessment

2021-2022 Alternate Assessment Timeline

Core Content Connectors  The CCCs are derived from the Common Core State Standards, deconstructed into smaller and more accessible steps for those students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Resources for Determining Eligibility

These resources are designed to support IEP teams in making data-driven decisions about eligibility and participation in the alternate assessments.

Participation Decision Flowchart

Alternate Assessment Participation Checklist

 

 

Thinking
Assessment Training

2021 Assessment Administrator Manual [TAM] – This manual outlines the process for administration of the MSAA and MSAA Science, including checklists for test administrators and test coordinators before, during and after assessment. 

2021 Assessment Administrator User Guide – This guide contains practical information and visual supports to help test administrators navigate the MSAA and MSAA System.

2021 Assessment Coordinator User Guide – This guide contains practical information and visual supports to help test coordinators navigate the MSAA and MSAA System.

2021 Maine MSAA Training Presentation Slides -This resource includes the slide deck from the 3/2/21 MSAA / MSAA Science test administrator training.

2021 Maine MSAA Training Video -This recorded webinar was offered on 3/2/21 and includes test administrator training support for the Spring 2021 alternate assessments.

2022 MSAA Training Documents will be posted beginning in January

 

Assessment Security

Maine Assessment Security Agreement - This assessment security agreement should be read and signed by each Assessment Administrator.  Assessment Coordinators should collect signed agreements and maintain on file at the district.

Technical Assistance

2021 Assessment Administration Observation Tool - This tool is completed by Assessment Coordinators and submitted via survey. The tool is designed to support Maine SAUs in administering the assessments with fidelity, as well as providing valuable data on the student assessment experience.

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