DLM – Mathematics, ELA and Science / Alternate Assessments

Assessment Homepage

Subjects and Grade Levels

  • Mathematics / grades 3-8, and 11

  • English/Language Arts / grades 3-8, and 11

  • Science / grades  5, 8 and 11


About the test

Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) assessments are designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in ELA and Mathematics (grades 3-8 and high school), and in Science (grades 5, 8 and high school) for whom general state assessments are not appropriate, even with accommodations.

Students who take DLM alternate assessments are instructed and assessed on Essential Elements. Essential Elements are grade-level-specific expectations about what students with the most significant cognitive disabilities should know and be able to do. Essential Elements are related to college- and career-readiness standards for students in the general population and in Science are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

DLM – Mathematics, ELA and Science alternate assessments are delivered online on a variety of devices and have an administrative application to manage student information. Students could receive five to 10 testlets in each subject, depending on the grade and subject. Items in the DLM alternate assessment are grouped into testlets.


Standards being assessed


Accessibility and Accommodations information

All appropriate accommodations for an individual child are identified through the IEP team decision-making process. Accommodations to be considered by the IEP team are determined by the DLM partner states and in limited circumstances, a request for a unique accommodation may be made to your local education agency.


Assessment results


DLM Sample Items


Special Education 1% Threshold Information

This justification process is required by federal law to be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) when a local education agency anticipates exceeding the one percent threshold limiting the number of participants in an alternate academic assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This information must be made publicly available.




Contact:

Lauren Taylor
Program Manager for Assessment of Students with Disabilities

Office: (410) 767-2498
lauren.taylor1@maryland.gov