Dynamic Learning Maps
Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment supports student learning and measures what students with the most significant cognitive disabilities know and can do in the content areas of English language arts, mathematics and science.
Spring 2023 DLM Testing Window: March 13 - June 9, 2023
Fall 2022 DLM Training Webinars
DLM Alternate Assessment Training for Teachers
DLM Alternate Assessment Training for District and Building Test Coordinators
Helpful Resources
- DLM-New Hampshire Administration Calendar 2022-2023
- DLM-New Hampshire State webpage - access user guides, manuals, training videos
- DLM Accessibility Manual - provides guidance in the selection and use of the accessibility supports available for the DLM assessment
- Guide to Practice Activities and Released Testlets: ELA, Mathematics and Science
- Test Administration Manual
- Kite Educator Portal is a secure website where educators and administrators manage DLM student data and view data extracts
- DLM Training Site - test administrators access DLM training site to complete the required annual training
New Hampshire Statewide Assessment Program
Annually, New Hampshire school districts and public charter schools are required by state law (RSA 193-C) and federal accountability laws (Every Student Succeeds Act) to assess students using a standardized assessment. All New Hampshire public school students participate in the statewide assessment.
Statewide assessments are an important part of a student’s core educational program by providing:
- An evaluation of student mastery of content and skills in various academic areas
- Serve as one tool for measuring the degree to which students are on track to graduate high school and are college- and career-ready
- Help inform future instruction in the classroom
Eligibility Criteria for the Alternate Assessment
The alternate assessment is intended only for those students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. To determine if a special needs student meets the participation criteria for the alternate assessment, the student's IEP team reviews and completes the Accommodations and Alternate Assessment Decision Making Worksheet. This worksheet is reviewed annually and filed with the student's IEP. Evidence of this decision-making process must be maintained by the school and made available during assessment monitoring.
What grade levels are assessed for the DLM alternate assessment?
- Grades 3-8 and 11 are assessed in English language arts and mathematics
- Grades 5, 8 and 11 are assessed in science
District and Building Coordinators
- Assessment Coordinator Manual
- Data Management Manual
- DLM Student Registration Process
- District Test Coordinator List for Kite Educator Portal
- Building Test Coordinator List (public charter schools & out-of-district schools/private providers)
- Updates needed for the District or Building Test Coordinator list? Please contact: assessment@doe.nh.gov
Professional Learning: Current and Ongoing Opportunities
- Subscribe to DLM test updates
- District Staff: DLM Resource Videos
- Educators: DLM Resource Videos
- DLM Professional Development - provides instructional resources, text supports
Teacher Resources
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- Getting Started in Kite Educator Portal
- Technology Preparation: Kite Student Portal
- Prepare for Test Administration: Manage Student Data
- Test Management: Test Tickets and Test Information Pages
- Tips for a Successful Test Administration
- Overview of Instructionally Embedded Assessments
- Using DLM Mini-Maps to Plan Instruction
Parent Resources
- DLM Assessment Parent Letter Template
- Examples of DLM testlets
- Talking to Parents about DLM Score Reports
High Expectations for Student Success Video
The High Expectations for Student Success video is available on the homepage of the Dynamic Learning Maps® website. This video outlines four keys to academic success for students with significant cognitive disabilities and also highlights the importance of planning for postsecondary opportunities for students taking the DLM alternate assessment.
Related Resources
- Parent Resource: A Future of Opportunity
- Postsecondary Opportunities Study
- Research Synopsis
New Hampshire Statutes, State Laws and Federal Regulations
- New Hampshire Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Ed 1100
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA): Alternate Assessments for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (see Section 1111(b)(2)(D), page 27)
- Additional laws and rules governing special education in NH
1% Cap on Participation in the Alternate Assessment
No more than 1% of students may participate in the alternate assessment in the grades assessed for each content area. This ESSA requirement took effect starting with the 2017-2018 school year. States exceeding 1% may request a waiver to the United States Department of Education. As part of the waiver request, states must demonstrate at least 95% of all students and 95% of all students with disabilities participated in the required statewide assessments.
- Strategies for Meeting the 1% State-Level Cap on Participation in the Alternate Assessment. Thurlow, M., & Lazarus, S. (2017, April). Strategies for meeting the 1% state-level cap on participation in the alternate assessment (NCEO Brief #12). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, National Center on Educational Outcomes.