Validity Evidence for a Computer-Based Alternate Assessment Instrument

This study investigated the validity of a statewide alternate assessment program, IASEP (Indiana Assessment System of Educational Proficiencies) by examining supporting profile patterns on the 100 core IASEP items of individuals with significant disabilities. Participants were 5,192 students ranging in age from 7-21 years with special education diagnoses of autism, mild cognitive disabilities, moderate cognitive disabilities, multiple disabilities, and severe cognitive disabilities. A profile analysis using a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine profile patterns across the five disability groups and items in each domain. Results support existing profile patterns among disability groups, indicating that IASEP can be used as a model for an alternate assessment instrument.