Universal Design and Maine’s Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP)

by Brian Doore

Good assessments are now constructed with the principles of Universal Design in mind, and Maine’s Personal Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) is no exception. The PAAP is an alternative avenue for about 1% of Maine students to participate in the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA). Instead of completing the same MEA items as other students, students submitting a PAAP will show their level of progress towards Maine’s Learning Results through authentic work done in the classroom and submitted in portfolio format. The PAAP integrates many of the principles of Universal Design at its core.

These features include:

1. To support diverse recognition networks, and provide multiple, flexible methods of presentation.

2. To support diverse strategic networks, and provide multiple, flexible methods of expression and apprenticeship.

3. To support diverse affective networks, and provide multiple, flexible options for engagement. (David Rose -- CAST)

The PAAP is designed to allow students to demonstrate, in a variety of ways, their level of proficiency for one of the specific indicators in Maine’s Learning Results. Students may speak their responses for a task, create a written product, be videotaped completing a task or use another mode of presentation showing their knowledge and understanding of the performance indicator. This process, unlike standard assessments, does not penalize students for demonstrating proficiency in alternate modes and formats.

In addition, the PAAP allows students to use their work, in its natural context with adults and peers, as evidence of their achievement of Maine’s standards. Finally, the PAAP gives students a chance to show their current level of proficiency on the Learning Results in a flexible way. Students do not have to participate in activities in a “typical” way to be included. Instead, their participation can be considered based on how they are able to contribute to, and engage in, the learning environment.

The inherent flexibility of the PAAP makes it a powerful tool for students who might not be able to participate in Maine’s assessment system in a meaningful way otherwise. The universally designed nature of this alternate assessment will ensure it can meet the diverse needs of Maine’s students now, and in the future.

For more information about the PAAP please visit:

• Maine Department of Education Alternate Assessment Homepage:

http://www.maine.gov/education/lsalt/altassess.htm  

• PAAP Training Dates:

http://www.maine.gov/education/lsalt/PAAP_files/PAAP_ResourcesSupport/PAAPRegistration02-03.htm

• PAAP Materials and Resources:

http://www.maine.gov/education/lsalt/altassess.htm#Resources

This is an official publication of The University of Maine
A member of the University of Maine System

Updated: 01/11/2007