| Provides schools that were granted a five-year variance to use alternative assessments in 1995, with the ability to continue under the variance until 2009, with certain exceptions; requires that the Commissioner develop a portfolio performance-based alternative assessment by July 1, 2009; provides that this alternative assessment must follow certain criteria; provides that the assessment must: measure the State learning standards for the respective content area; be at least as rigorous as the corresponding State assessment; be consistent with technical criteria for validity, reliability and freedom from bias; and be available for use by any school or school district in New York State. |
