West Virginia students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 who have significant intellectual disabilities take the West Virginia Alternate Summative Assessment (WVASA), also known as the Dynamic Learning Maps, Alternate Summative Assessment. This assessment is a summative measure of student academic performance based on the West Virginia Alternate Academic Achievement Standards for English, mathematics, and science.

Students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 are assessed in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 also are assessed in science.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires states to assess all students’ academic abilities. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) places a 1% cap on the number of students who may participate in a state summative alternate assessment. Students who meet the eligibility criteria have a significant cognitive disability, receives the majority of their instruction through the West Virginia Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, and requires extensive direct, individualized instruction and substantial supports to achieve measurable gains in the grade and age-appropriate curriculum. Eligibility to participate in the WVASA is an IEP committee decision. If you believe your child meets the criteria, contact your child’s school for further information.

WVASA results may be found on ZoomWV.

WVASA Eligibility Checklist (Fall 2022)
Download WVASA Eligibility Guidance (Fall 2022) Document

West Virginia 1.0 Percent Cap

Districts over the 1% cap for the WV Alternate Summative Assessment have submitted justifications for the need to assess more than 1.0 percent of assessed students. Justifications are available to the public upon request to the WVDE. For further information, please contact Mimi Browning at mcbrowning@k12.wv.us.

Download the West Virginia 1.0 Percent Cap Waiver