Alternate assessments are specialized tests or measures that are designed to evaluate students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in general education assessments. These assessments provide information about what a student knows and can do, but may look different from traditional assessments due to the nature of the student's disability. Alternate assessments are based on alternate achievement standards that are designed to be more accessible for students with significant cognitive disabilities. They help teachers, parents, and educators make informed decisions about how to support these students in reaching their educational goals.