DLM Alternate Assessment

All students are expected to participate in state assessments. Students with disabilities who are served in their school districts under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 2004 (IDEA) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed by the President on December 10, 2015, shall be assessed in one of two ways:
 
1.  ACT Aspire with accommodations for grades 3-10.
 
OR
 
2.  Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, for whom the ACT Aspire assessment is not appropriate, shall participate in the following assessments: 
  •  Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment System for grades 3-10 in ELA, math, and science.
The content standards are the same for all students in Arkansas. The difference for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities is the manner in which they are assessed. The results of the DLM should demonstrate progress toward meeting the Arkansas standards.
 
 
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessments are designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities for whom general state assessments are not appropriate, even with accommodations. DLM assessments offer these students a way to show what they know and can do in mathematics, English language arts, and science.
 
 The information needed for the DLM can be found on the Arkansas DLM Website.
 
Effective Date: September 1, 2014 

Revised Date: September 22, 2022

 

For more information, please contact:

 
Debbie Young, Program Advisor
Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Student Assessment
Four Capitol Mall, Room 301-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Office: 501-682-4946

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