“We have developed the
DLM assessment to be
accessible to all students
in the alternate
assessment population.”
Dynamic Learning
Maps Alternate
Assessment
(DLM)
What Teachers Should Know
Neal Kingston
DLM Project Director
2014-15 YE
Dynamic Learning Maps
DLM Assessment Design
All children participate in state accountability
assessments. The Dynamic Learning Maps™
Alternate Assessment System (DLM™) is an
instructionally relevant system that supports student
learning and measures what students with significant
cognitive disabilities know and can do.
The DLM system is designed to map a student’s learning.
Assessments are delivered in testlets with each testlet
containing 3 to 8 questions. Students receive between 5 and 7
testlets, depending on the grade and subject. There are
mandatory and optional assessment components.
The dynamic learning maps are highly connected
representations of how academic skills are acquired,
as reflected in research literature. The maps go
beyond traditional learning progressions to include
multiple and alternate pathways by which students
may develop content knowledge.
Spring Testing is required. Your state has chosen its own
window within the consortium-wide window that runs midMarch through early June. Students take testlets that cover the
whole blueprint. Results reflect the student’s performance that
year and are used for accountability purposes.
Test Administration Time
The Essential Elements (EEs) are specific statements
of knowledge and skills that link the academic
expectations for students with significant cognitive
disabilities to grade-level standards.
All times noted are estimates and ranges.
Total testing time varies depending on the number of EEs
assessed and a student’s unique learning needs. Testlets may
be taken separately across multiple testing sessions as long as
they are all completed within the testing window.
www.dynamiclearningmaps.org
Spring Testing
 Required
 Covers the whole
Optional Instructionally
Embedded
 Can be delivered for
select Essential
Elements
test blueprint
 Student performance
 Testing window
not used for
varies by state
accountability
 Scores are used for
purposes
accountability
purposes
Optional Instructionally Embedded assessments may be
administered throughout the fall and early spring. Results help
teachers plan and adjust instruction. They do not count toward
results used for accountability purposes.
Essential Elements
The EEs specify academic targets, while the learning
map clarifies how students can reach the specified
standard. EEs included in the blueprint for each
grade are listed in blueprint documents available on
your state’s page on the DLM website:
DLM Assessments
Spring Testing: Total Testing Time

70-90 minutes in ELA

35-60 minutes in mathematics
Field Testing: Time Per Testlet
Your state may require/recommend participation. See your
state webpage or contact your Assessment Coordinator for
more information.

7-10 minutes for mathematics

12-15 minutes for ELA
Instructionally Embedded Testlets (optional): Time Per Testlet

10-15 minutes for mathematics

10-15 minutes for reading

10-20 minutes for writing
Assessment Results
The DLM scoring system works differently from
traditional alternate assessments. The system
uses the student’s performance during the
spring testing window and compares it to the
learning map to determine the student’s level of
mastery on the EEs. There are no raw scores,
percentages, or scale scores.
Individual score reports will include information
about performance on the assessed EEs and
include:

Essential Element Learning Profile

Performance in each conceptual area

Overall performance
More information about progress reports and
summative reports will be provided in late
spring 2015 on the DLM website.
2014-15 YE