Academics
DLM Alternative Assessment Resources
The Dynamic Learning Maps™ (DLM®) Alternate Assessment System uses a cyclical process to develop assessments.
DLM is a multiple state consortium that has developed a new type of computer-delivered alternate assessment. The DLM Alternate Assessment System is a new assessment program designed to validly measure what students with significant cognitive disabilities know and can do. DLM provides accessibility by design and is guided by the core belief that all students should have access to challenging, grade-level content, and that educators adhere to the highest levels of integrity in providing instruction and administering assessments based on this challenging content. The DLM system provides the opportunity for students with significant cognitive disabilities to show what they know versus documenting only what they do not know. These are students for whom general education assessments, even with accommodations, are not appropriate.
The Dynamic Learning Maps™ (DLM®) Alternate Assessment System uses a cyclical process to develop assessments. Using principles of evidence-centered design, item writers with expertise in English language arts, mathematics, and instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities develop testlets. Each testlet contains an engagement activity and three to seven questions.
Familiar Texts, Manipulatives, and Glossary
- Math Manipulatives for Phases A–C (pdf) Revised 2/2 – Summarizes the objects used in mathematics assessments for testing phases A–C. The manipulative list for the spring window will be posted by February 23.
- Math Glossary (pdf) – Summarizes the terms used in mathematics assessments.
- Familiar Texts in ELA Testlets – These links provide access to familiar texts that will be used in 2014–15 assessments. These texts may be downloaded and used in instruction.
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| Level | Section 1 (S) | Section 2 (S) | Section 3 (S) | Section 4 (S) |
| Initial Precursor | Stef's Problems | The Movie | Getting a Haircut | Homegrown Tomatoes |
| Distal Precursor | Matt and Tom |
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Assessment
The Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment System Consortium is made up of 13 states, including Mississippi, and additional partner agencies developing the Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment System, a computer-based assessment for the 1% of the K-12 public school student population with significant cognitive disabilities for whom, even with accommodations, general state assessments are not appropriate. Led by the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation at the University of Kansas, DLM is funded through a five-year-grant awarded in late 2010 by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The assessment will be implemented during the 2014-2015 school year.