1. How to interpret and use DLM score reports?

2. What do the DLM alternate assessments measure?

3. What is skill mastery?

4. What information is contained in a score report?

5. How can score reports be used?

   
   

• Professional Development Modules Organized by Claim or Domain

• All Modules in Alphabetical Order

• Professional Development Packages

  • Select a topic and package

  • Choose self-directed or facilitated

  • Used as in-service training and some higher education coursework

  • Designed for schools to award Act 48 credit locally

• Below Basic = Emerging

• Basic = Approaching the Target

• Proficient = At Target

• Advanced = Advanced

• Not every student will demonstrate the skills described in each level.

For a detailed breakdown of DLM Performance Level Descriptors by subject, see the links below.

• ELA

• Mathematics

• Science

• ELA Grade 5

• Math Grade 5

• Science Grade 11

Note: Practice activities/testlets within the portal are only available prior to the test window opening. This guide also provides guidance on how to experience accommodations before testing.

• ELA

• Math

• Science

Note: This manual provides information and guidance to the teacher about end of year testing procedures and also use of the instruction and assessment planner.

PA DLM provides:

• access to standards-aligned content in reading, writing, mathematics, and science through Essential Elements (EEs). EEs are aligned to PA content standards and are reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity.

• a highly individualized, computer-adapted end of year state assessment

• free, on-demand professional development to all stakeholders through the PA DLM website.

• free instructional resources including reading lesson plans for emergent communicators, science activities, mini-maps, and more.

Explore this Padlet to learn more or visit the PA DLM website.

• Grade Level 3

• Grade Level 4

• Grade Level 5

• Grade Level 6

• Grade Level 7

• Grade Level 8

• Grade Levels 9-10

• Grade Levels 11-12

  
  

• Math Claim 1

• Math Claim 2

• Math Claim 3

• Math Claim 4

• The spring 2026 science test administration will include field testlets. Content will be based on the existing science essential elements.

• PA will release revised science essential elements during the 2025-2026 school year.

• PA DLM Science will transition to the revised EEs for the 2027 spring assessment.

• Read the FAQ to learn more.

• Getting Started in Educator Portal

• Completing the First Contact Survey

• Overview of ELA Testlets

• Overview of Math Testlets

• Overview of Writing Testlets

• Lesson Supports

• Writing Resources

Note: Practice activities/testlets within the portal are only available prior to the testing window.

• ELA

• Math

• Science

A Padlet is an online application that provides a virtual wall for the sharing of resources. This Padlet

• shares PA DLM instructional, assessment, and professional development resources.

• contains linked resources to websites, PDFs, and videos.

Understanding How A Padlet Works

Most Padlet 'squares' are linked websites and resources. Users will be able to identify linked websites and resources when the cursor changes to a 'hand' while hovering.

When a static image is used, a caption below the image will state, 'Image only, not a website.' Users are given directions to click on linked websites and resources below the static image.

Find out more about the PA standards and the use of essential elements in classroom instruction.

Benefits to using the checklist include:

• providing a structured approach to evaluating curricula

• ensuring critical factors such as alignment are considered

• ensuring selected curricula are inclusive and accessible

If so, refer to the ELA and Math 'high leverage' starter skills checklist. Find linkage levels connected to multiple essential elements across various grade levels.

Note: The linkage level may vary based on the grade.

Use the ELA and Math checklists that include all initial precursor levels in one place to plan instruction and daily routines.