Accommodations and Student Supports

DLM assessments are designed to maximize accessibility for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Assessments are built to allow multiple ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understandings. Assessment design also incorporates current research on communication in such forms as the DLM core vocabulary. The DLM core vocabulary is a list of words that have been determined to be highly useful for communicating in both social and academic contexts.

Additionally, educators from DLM partner states review the assessments at multiple points during assessment development. These reviews help minimize barriers for students with specific needs.

Students taking DLM assessments have access to unique accessibility tools and supports that meet their needs and preferences. Some of these tools and supports are built into the online assessment system while others are provided by the teacher. Educators and Individualized Education Program teams decide which tools and supports a student's needs.

DLM Accessibility Manual

Participation Guidelines for Alaska Students in State Assessments, 2023 Edition

Handbook for the Participation Guidelines, September 2024