COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education
February 18, 2011
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Patricia I. Wright, Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST) is an alternate assessment intended for students with disabilities who are instructed in grade level Standards of Learning (SOL) content but who are not likely to achieve proficiency in the same time frame as their nondisabled peers. Research-based supports and simplifications are applied to existing online SOL test items to make VMAST items more accessible to eligible students. Beginning in 2011-2012, VMAST for grades 3-8 mathematics and Algebra I will be available for eligible students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who participate in the grade 8 VMAST mathematics assessments and who are working towards a Modified Standard Diploma may use passing VMAST scores to fulfill the numeracy requirements of this diploma.
Similarly, beginning in 2012-13, VMAST reading for grades 3-8 and end-of-course will be available to eligible students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who participate in the grade 8 reading VMAST assessment and who are working towards a Modified Standard Diploma may use passing VMAST scores to fulfill the literacy requirement.
Students with disabilities may also use passing VMAST Algebra I and end-of-course reading scores for verified credit as required for the standard and advanced studies diplomas or to fulfill the numeracy and literacy requirements of the Modified Standard Diploma. If you have questions, please contact the student assessment staff at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 225-2102.