Supporting Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Approximately 3,400 students in grades K-12+ (a little less than 2% of all students in GCPS) are identified as having the most significant cognitive disabilities. According to the Georgia Department of Education, students with significant cognitive disabilities access the general curriculum through specialized instruction and individualized supports aligned to grade-level standards. These students may learn in ways that differ from their peers and benefit from more individualized instruction and specialized materials to be successful. Students are still working toward grade-level content, with adjustments in depth, complexity, and pace to meet their unique needs.

The Alternate AKS align with the GA DOE Extended Content Standards and are assessed through the Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA 2.0). These prioritized standards emphasize skills that help students increase their independence and become contributing members of society to the fullest extent possible. The Alternate AKS are aligned to the selected grade level standards and ensure students have access to grade-level content while receiving the extensive, individualized supports necessary for meaningful participation and progress. These standards target essential academic skills as well as communication, independence, and functional life skills.

The Alternate AKS are available in the GAA-tested content areas for grades 3 through high school. During the 25-26 SY, our district expanded this work by developing and adopting the Alternate AKS in English Language Arts and Math for grades K-2.

Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria for the GAA 2.0 may be considered by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team for instruction on the Alternate AKS. Students on the Alternate AKS are typically served in the following programs: ASD Level 1; ASD Level 2; Moderate Intellectual Disability Program (MoID); Severe/Profound Intellectual Disability Program (SID/PID).

Students on the Alternate AKS receive explicit, systematic, High- Quality Tier 1 instruction, including specially designed instruction (SDI) tailored to their individual needs. They access and receive grade-level academic content through adapted and differentiated materials, with instruction designed to provide multiple ways to engage, respond, and demonstrate understanding.

Teaching is highly individualized based on each student’s IEP, with a focus on meaningful participation, measurable growth, and increasing independence. Students receiving instruction on the Alternate AKS participate in the GAA 2.0 and work toward earning an alternate diploma.

Some students with significant cognitive disabilities participate in the Georgia Alternate Assessment 2.0 (GAA) instead of Georgia Milestones. The GAA is designed to measure student learning on alternate academic achievement standards.

Instruction on the Alternate AKS prepares students for post-secondary outcomes with a focus on independence, daily living skills, communication and self-advocacy, career readiness, and community participation. Graduation is an important milestone for all students, and we are committed to ensuring that students with significant cognitive disabilities are supported to achieve independence and meaningful outcomes. As a result, transition planning begins 
early to support successful movement from school into their communities and future pathways.