The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA) requires that States and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) ensure that all children with disabilities are included in all general state and district-wide assessment programs, including assessments used for purposes of satisfying the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) was developed in accordance with this allowance to meet the needs of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are not able to participate in the general assessment even with accommodations.  The PASA is aligned with Pennsylvania’s academic content standards with a reduction in depth and breadth evidenced by the Alternate Eligible Content, and measures the attainment of knowledge and skills of children with significant cognitive disabilities through performance tasks.  Students must meet the identified 6 criteria of eligibility as determined by the IEP team to participate in PASA.  Students who meet eligibility criteria in grades 3^rd-8^th and 11^th are tested in PASA.