Delaware Alternate Portfolio Assessment (DAPA)

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The Delaware Alternate Portfolio Assessment (DAPA) is the State of Delaware assessment of students with severe cognitive disabilities in grades 2-11. As required by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students must be included in an assessment program when one is implemented by a state or school district. The Center for Disabilities Studies, in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education and a group of education and family stakeholders, developed the DAPA to meet these requirements. In the State of Delaware, students participating in the DAPA are assessed in the same content areas as their peers using the same general education standards.

Each year approximately 1,000 students with severe cognitive disabilities are assessed using the DAPA. Serving as a snapshot of their school instruction, the portfolio documents educational activities. The assessment process includes examining the settings in which students are instructed, their interactions with typical peers, how the student makes choices, plans, and monitors activities, and how general education standards are included in their curricula.

In the fall of each school year, portfolio development sessions and workshops are offered throughout the State of Delaware to inform and train educators. Sessions are offered in all three counties and at specialized programs.

Because parents and families are an integral part of their child’s education, the DAPA also offers information sessions in each county to explain the DAPA process and also answer any questions parents may have.

This year, the DAPA is presently undergoing a revision process. A group of educators and parents from around the state along with the DAPA staff and other professionals from the greater educational community are working to create an assessment plan to include a measurement for student progress.

For questions or comments, contact dapaonline@udel.edu