TAKS-Alt (Alternative)

TAKS–Alt is designed for the purpose of assessing students in grades 3–11 who have significant cognitive disabilities and are receiving special education services. Unlike other statewide assessments in Texas, TAKS–Alt is not a traditional paper or multiple-choice test. Instead, the assessment involves teachers observing students as they complete state-developed assessment tasks that link to the grade-level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum through prerequisite skills.

Participation Requirements

Admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committees may decide that a student’s knowledge and skills can best be assessed with TAKS-Alt if the student meets all of the following participation criteria.

The student

• requires supports to access the general curriculum that may include assistance involving communication, response style, physical access, or daily living skills,
• requires direct, intensive, individualized instruction in a variety of settings to accomplish the acquisition, maintenance and generalization of skills,
• accesses and participates in the grade-level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) through activities that focus on prerequisite skills,
• demonstrates knowledge and skills routinely in class by methods other than paper-and-pencil tasks, and
• demonstrates performance objectives that may include real life applications of the grade-level TEKS as appropriate to the student’s abilities and needs.

For more information please visit TEA's TAKS-Alt Assessments website.

Releated websites

TAKSAlt.com

Texas TrainingCenter

Staff | Map

Useful links:
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the Texas Assessment Program |
TAKS/TAAS Out of School Registration | TEA Assessment Division | eTest Online Testing