Michigan's other new assessment consortium: Dynamic Learning Maps

The DLM project is guided by the core belief that all students should have access to challenging grade-level content. The new DLM alternate assessment system will let students with significant cognitive disabilities show what they know in ways that traditional multiple-choice tests cannot. The DLM system is designed to map a student’s learning throughout the year. The system will use items and tasks that are embedded in day-to-day instruction. In this way, testing happens as part of instruction, which both informs teaching and benefits students. An end of the year assessment will be created for states that want to include a summative test in addition to the instructionally embedded system.

To help educators understand the Common Core State Standards and the corresponding Common Core Essential Elements and their application to students with significant cognitive disabilities, the Dynamic Learning Maps Assessment Consortium has created and will continue to provide self-directed learning modules. Each of the interactive modules is short (30-45 minutes on average) and focuses on a single topic. Three learning models have been created so far. You can access these modules by clicking on the following link:

Self-Directed Learning Modules

or by going to the Dynamic Learning Maps page located on the MI-Access web page at

www.michigan.gov/mi-access.

When you select a learning module, please be certain to complete the information regarding your name, school, and state. If you have questions about these modules, please contact dlm@unc.edu.

Module 1: Common Core Overview

Description: This self-directed module provides an introduction to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics for teachers who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities who will complete the alternate assessment.

Module 2: Common Core Essential Elements

Description: This self-directed module provides an introduction to the Essential Elements that were developed by the Dynamic Learning Maps Consortium to provide links between the Common Core State Standards and grade specific expectations for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Module 3: Universal Design for Learning

Description: This self-directed module provides an introduction to Universal Design for Learning as it relates to the Common Core State Standards and students with significant cognitive disabilities.

A link to the updated video titled "Essential Elements Overview Module" is also now available on the MI-Access Website under the Dynamic Learning Maps link.  There were audio problems in the original version, which have been corrected in the new version.  You can also access the updated video by clicking on the following link:

Essential Elements Overview Module.