Changes in AYP Alternate Assessments

Beginning this fall, Iowa’s Adequate Yearly Progress alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities will be the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) English/language arts and math for grades 3-8, 10 & 11 and the Iowa Alternate Assessment Science (IAAS) for grades 5, 8, and 11.

The DLM assessment is supported by the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation, University of Kansas, and is a computer delivered, computer adapted assessment. DLM integrates student assistive technology and is a year long instructionally embedded assessment that includes a year-end summative assessment.

The IAAS (Iowa’s current science alternate assessment) will have no changes in assessment administration. Teacher training is required to administer both the DLM and IAAS assessments. District staff who manage and have oversight of the alternate assessment also will require training. The Significant Disabilities State Leadership Team is developing a fall statewide training plan.

The Iowa Department of Education will host a series of informational webinars in May that outline training content and requirements, roles and responsibilities of districts, including tech support, and DLM/Department supports. For more information, contact the Department’s Emily Thatcher at emily.thatcher@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3500.