Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)
Who: The Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) assessments are available to eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades three through eight and high school. Eligibilitiy is determined by the student's IEP team using the VAAP Participation Criteria form (see below). Content areas assessed in the VAAP are listed below.
| Grade Level | New VAAP Assessments | Old VAAP Assessments |
| 3rd Grade | Reading & Mathematics | |
| 4th Grade | Reading & Mathematics | Virginia Studies |
| 5th Grade | Reading, Mathematics, & Science | |
| 6th Grade | Reading & Mathematics | |
| 7th Grade | Reading & Mathematics | |
| 8th Grade | Reading, Mathematics, & Science | Civics & Writing |
| High School | Reading, Mathematics, & Science |
What: In the past, the VAAP used a portfolio designed assessment in which students submitted collections of evidence in the assessed content areas (Old VAAP). Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, participating students will complete an online summative assessment for reading, mathematics, and science in the tested grades. Although the new VAAP assessment is an online test, students will not be expected to interact directly with the computer if they are unable to do so. If needed, they may be provided with a paper copy of the assessment and examiners will have flexibility to enter student responses into the online system.
When: Because the amount of time needed to assess students participating in the VAAP can vary greatly between students and schools, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) assessment window will open on February 26, 2024 and close on June 21, 2024. Prince George will be required to submit a timeframe during these dates when students in our district will complete the VAAP assessment. If your child will be participating in the VAAP assessments, please contact his or her school to obtain more definitive testing dates.
Where: VAAP assessments are administered in secure testing environments within the school buildings.
Why: Virginia law requires that students participate in the Virginia Assessment Program. In grades during which students are administered a Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment, the VAAP enables students with significant cognitive disabilities with the opportunity to participate in the Virginia Assessment Program.