Dispelling DAPA Myths

Brian M. Touchette

www.DAPAonline.org

November 15, 2007

Center for Disabilities StudiesUniversity of Delaware

&Delaware Department of Education

Participation in DAPA 2 primary guidelines

Student requires extensive modifications Student requires intensive individualized

instruction in order to acquire and generalize knowledge

IEP team should review Students profile Guidelines for Inclusion of Students with

Disabilities and English Language Learners DAPA Participation Guidelines

View at www.doe.k12.de.us

Participation Guidelines (PG)

The IEP team must agree with each of

the 4 criteria sign and date the

form At least 2 team

member signatures Dated 1/2/07 –

1/30/08 Include a copy of the

PG from the student’s current IEP

Participation Criteria

Criterion #1: Evidence of Significant Cognitive DisabilitiesStudent’s levels of cognitive skills and

adaptive behavior are such that extensive modifications are required in order to access the general curriculum.

Participation Criteria

Criterion #2: Intensity of InstructionStudent requires extensive direct

instruction and/or extensive supports to accomplish the application and transfer of skills to school, home, work, and community environments.

Participation Criteria

Criterion #3: Curricular OutcomesThe student requires extensively modified

instruction focusing on a less complex application of skills in order to access the Delaware Content Standards.

Participation Criteria

1. existence of an IEP; 2. specific categorical

label; 3. educational

placement; 4. English language

learner status; 5. socio-economic or

cultural differences;

6. excessive or extended absences;

7. disruptive behavior; 8. student’s reading

level; or 9. the expectation that

the student will not perform well on the DSTP.

Criterion #4: Exclusions The decision to include the student in the DAPA is NOT based on the following:

5/5/07

5/5/07

Portfolio Due Date

All students in grades 2 – 11 (as of September 1, 2007) who meet the participation criteria are required to have a portfolio submitted on…

JANUARY 31, 2008

Content Area AlignmentGrade as of 9/1/07 # of Content Areas Content Area

2 2 ELA, Math

3 4 ELA, Math, Sci, SS

4 2 ELA, Math

5 4 ELA, Math, Sci, SS

6 2 ELA, Math

7 2 ELA, Math

8 4 ELA, Math, Sci, SS

9 2 ELA, Math

10 2 ELA, Math

*11 2 Sci, SS

*DAPA portfolio required the first year that the student is in 11th grade

All 4 Content Areas

DAPA FACTS (quick review)

ONLY students who have the most significant cognitive disabilities should participate in the Delaware Alternate Portfolio Assessment (DAPA)

Students who participate in the DAPA are also required to have access to the general education curriculum and they are assessed on the same Academic Standards that are used for all students

If a student does not meet the participation criteria (see attached), then they must participate in the DSTP either with or without accommodations

DAPA FACTS (cont’d)

Students CANNOT be placed in DAPA because they are receiving poor scores on the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP)

Administrators CANNOT override the decision of an IEP team to have a student participate in the DSTP or the DAPA

Placement in DAPA is an IEP decision and CANNOT be made by DDOE. All Members of the IEP team must agree with decision.

It is not appropriate to make a decision to participate in the DAPA because the student has significant behavior problems or is extremely stressed during the administration of the DSTP.

Validation Statement Portfolio requirement Signed AFTER portfolio is

complete Signing denotes

agreement 3 original required

signatures Parent/Guardian

If unable to obtain, must show 3 attempts to contact

Teacher/Developer Test Security

Administrator

Test Security Test security and confidentiality is vital to

maintain validity, reliability, and fairness of the test results

All DAPA Test Administrators (a.k.a. developers) must read and understand the Test Security Policy

Violations are subject to investigations and consequences as determined by the school district and the Department

Portfolio Assembly

Binders are sent to developers Do NOT wait until you receive your

binder to start working on your students’ portfolios

Binders will include organizational tabs Tab info. page 48

Resources Refer to your User’s Guide early and often!

Timeline on p. 49 will help you to stay on track Contact your District Consultant Email updates www.dapaonline.org

Examples Blank data sheets Reference lists General Ed resource links Support and Screening Session times and dates

Screening Sessions Sessions in all 3 counties

Multiple locations Oct – Dec

Highly recommended Benefits

Review of Required Components Activity, Standard, PI/GLE, CT/IEP Objective

Opportunity to make changes before submitting For dates

Check www.dapaonline.org Check email udpates