This page contains information on the Exception to the 1 Percent Threshold for participation for the alternate state accountability assessment, Dynamic Learning Maps- Alternate Assessment (DLM-AA). The alternate state accountability assessment is aligned to the DLM-AA Essential Elements that are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. Information regarding the DLM-AA Essential Elements can be found on the DLM-AA Assessment page.

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) [ESEA §111(b)(2)(D) and 34 CFR 200.6(c) and (d)], modifies the provision that students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may participate in alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards (alternate assessments).  ESSA places a 1 percent threshold on the number of students who may participate in alternate assessments.  States that anticipate exceeding the 1 percent threshold must submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education.

On an annual basis, LEAs which anticipate exceeding the 1 percent threshold must submit a justification form to ISBE. LEA Justifications are available upon request to altexception@isbe.net.