Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments.
Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to the Bureau of Special Education (BSE) if it anticipates that more than 1.0 percent of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Valley Grove School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2020-21 testing cycle, with 1.6% of students taking the PASA. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the BSE.
Questions regarding the Valley Grove School District’s participation rates should be directed to Amber Nolan-Johnston, Director of Special Education, at 814-432-4919 or ajohnston@staff.vgsd.org.