The Dynamic Learning Maps-Alternate Assessment is the required state assessment for students, in grades 3-11, with the most significant cognitive disabilities. As determined by the IEP, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the DLM if participation in the state’s regular assessments is not appropriate, even with accommodations.

All questions related to the 1% threshold should be directed to altexception@isbe.net.

News and Updates

2022-23 State Assessment Dates(Updated 3/17/2022)
2023-24 State Assessment Dates (Posted 03/28/2023)
Grade 12 SAT and DLM-AA: Who must test?(Updated 09/07/2022)
Guidance for 15-year-old students with IEPs in Elementary School Districts (Updated 9/9/2021)
Diploma Exemption Documents
Submit a diploma exemption only for a student who will be scheduled to receive a regular high school diploma before the next administration of the state’s final accountability assessment (i.e., SAT or grade 11 DLM-AA) and hasn’t tested or been identified in SIS as being exempt OR for a student whose exemption was not identified through ISBE SIS programming according to the flowchart document. If your district believes there is evidence in SIS of an exemption, please write to assessment@isbe.net for verification before completing any of the diploma exemption paperwork.

Resources and Documents

For additional resources including manuals for coordinators and teachers, technical requirements of the KITE system, and ongoing DLM updates please visit the Illinois DLM website.