A one day training will be offered for Strategist II special education teachers who would like to dig deeper into the DLM process for administering Iowa Alternate Assessments, and also learn more about ways that assessment information can inform instruction on the Iowa Core Essential Elements.

While the state-required training and basics of DLM will be completed independently through an online course within the system, Green Hills AEA will offer this one day seminar that will allow for demonstration of the system, coaching with use of the system, and more opportunities to ask questions on the DLM testing process.  The above on-site seminar is optional, but strongly recommended for teachers who would like more coaching and support of using the DLM system for testing, and also in using the information from testing to address specially designed instruction for their students.  Attending the seminar would also be strongly recommended for teachers who may be new to alternate assessment or just starting their careers as Strategist II teachers.  Special Education Coordinators and Alternate Assessment Coordinators may also wish to attend, to gain a deeper understanding of the required assessment process.

Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) continues to serve as Iowa''s Alternate Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.  DLM will allow for alternate assessment of ELA, Mathematics, and Science to meet federal requirements that all students participate in district-wide accountability assessments.  

Teachers administering DLM will complete state-required training modules independently, in an online format.  They will be able to complete these trainings and certification quizzes on their own, after district data stewards have added them in the DLM portal in the teacher role.