Overview of State Testing with Accommodations

Dynamic Learning Map (DLM-AA)

Overview: What is the Dynamic Learning Maps® Assessment?  The Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment (DLM-AA) tests academic progress in English language arts (reading and writing), math, and/or science. This assessment is designed for students with many types of significant cognitive disabilities. It is a completely individualized test designed so students can show what they know and can do. The assessment is given in short parts called testlets so the student does not become too tired or stressed. Results from the embedded assessment given during the school year provide information that the teacher can use to guide classroom instruction. Students will receive an Individual Student Score Report for each subject tested. This report indicates the skills demonstrated during the assessment.

Grade Testing: Qualifying Students per their IEP in 9th-11th grade.

Schedule: View the dates for DLM-AA

Frequently Asked Questions & Forms for College Board Accommodations

Where can I find General Accommodations Information on College Board Assessments? 
Use of accommodations without approval by the College Board results in the cancellation of test scores. In preparation for taking the April PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, or the SAT with accommodations, parents must first submit a signed Consent Form for Accommodations Request [English | Spanish] prior to submitting an accommodation request through the College Board due by mid February, Once consent is obtained, a request for test accommodations as listed in the student’s IEP or 504 plan will be submitted online by the school’s Test Accommodation Coordinator. College Board will review the request and a decision notification will be sent.  Visit College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to learn more about receiving accommodations on their suite of assessments.

What are the basic requirements when applying for and receiving testing accommodations on College Board Exams (e.g. PSAT, SAT)?
There are three (3) basic concepts that apply to extra time accommodations:

1. Eligibility: Students must meet the specific eligibility criteria set out in Section 504 or IDEA regulations.
2. Consistent need: The student has to need the accommodation (i.e. extra time accommodation) during the entire school year on assessments. The accommodation must be part and parcel of the academic environment — not just for the SAT exam.
3. No guarantees: The school district has no control over accommodation decisions related to the SAT. Schools simply provide the required student information, ranging from the nature of the disability to the classroom accommodations the student receives, to the College Board with written consent from the parent and the College Board makes the final determination for approved accommodations.

Who is Eligible to receive accommodations on College Board exams?
Some students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations on College Board exams. Students cannot take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams with accommodations unless their request for accommodations has been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).

What is the process to receive accommodations?  
Students must apply and be approved by College Board in order to receive non-standard or school-based accommodations on the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, or SAT. Students do not need College Board approval to take the PSAT 8/9 with accommodations. Special Education or Student Services staff submit the request for accommodations after compiling documentation from a student’s file. In some cases, parents are contacted regarding further documentation that will aid the College Board in approving the request.

When is the deadline to apply for accommodations for the April State Exams?
The approval process can take up to seven weeks for an accommodation request to be processed.  If you wish to apply for accommodations through the College Board for the spring test, please sign and return the enclosed consent document to your child’s case manager or counselor by mid February 

Consent Form for Accommodations Requests in English or Spanish
NOTE: If your child received accommodations from a prior school year, it is most likely they are already approved through College Board for the April state assessments.

Who can I contact at my school in order to receive assistance with accommodation requests?
For students with 504 plans, the counselor, If your child has an IEP, contact the case manager or the building special education coordinator.

How do I know if my child has been approved by the college board? The College Board sends a letter home to parents of approved accommodations with an SSD number.  Students can also get info by logging into their SSD account online. The SSD coordinator at each building can also serve as a resource in locating this information.

How long do accommodations remain in effect?
Approved accommodations remain in effect until one year after high school graduation (with some limited exceptions) and can be used on the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP Exams. Students do not need to request accommodations from SSD a second time.

How do I make changes to accommodations?
The College Board must be notified if you want to add or remove accommodations. To add new accommodations, the school will need to submit new documentation. If you’re a parent or student who requested accommodations through your school and you want to adjust accommodations, ask your SSD Coordinator (the educator who helped you) to submit a change request on SSD Online.

Can a student choose to decline their approved accommodations?
Students cannot elect to test without their approved accommodations unless they present a written statement signed by a parent/guardian or by the student if over 18 years of age. To no longer use accommodations, parents must submit in writing using the form Declining use of approved College Board accommodations form. This must be received no later than mid March, in order for schools to make arrangements with testing materials and classroom assignments.
Declining Accommodations – ENGLISHDECLINING ACCOMMODATIONS – SPANISH

How are accommodations provided to students with a 504 or IEP and at what grade level?
Grade 9, 10, and 11 students that have requested accommodations and have been approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) will take the spring College Board suite of assessments with accommodations unless they submit a written request declining the use of the approved College Board accommodations form.

How do 9th-grade students receive accommodations on the PSAT 8/9?
Freshmen students who are normally entitled to certain accommodations will test under standard conditions unless the Consent Form for Accommodations Request in English or Spanish is provided to the school by mid February. More information is available on the Consent Form for the Accommodations Request Process.