Familiar Texts Used in Year-End Model Testlets

Familiar texts used in Dynamic Learning Maps^® assessments are shared through Tar Heel Reader. Tar Heel Reader is a library of open-source, accessible texts for individuals of all ages with disabilities. This page links directly to books used in DLM English language arts assessments. The links will take you to the books in Tar Heel Reader. Tar Heel Reader has been designed to allow students to use a variety of alternative access methods. More information about accessing Tar Heel Reader is available on its website. When you are on the title page of a book in Tar Heel Reader, you may click the settings icon at the top right of the screen to download a PowerPoint or EPUB version of the book.

For DLM assessments, familiar texts are always used at the initial precursor level and sometimes at other levels. These books have been developed using DLM text-development guidelines adopted by DLM states; however, please note that Tar Heel Reader is a large, open-source library of books. Books are contributed to the site by teachers, students, parents, and others from all over the world. Some books on the site are inappropriate for younger audiences. Reviewers do their best to make sure these books are rated C/Caution, but appropriate ratings of all books cannot be assumed. As a result, students should NOT be sent independently to the Tar Heel Reader site. Teachers can avoid books that they might find inappropriate for younger students by limiting their search to books that are “Reviewed Only” and “Rated E/Everybody.”

Using DLM familiar texts to prepare for spring testing​

• Texts can be accessed at any time and are available for use in classroom instruction.
• Texts are available prior to testing to help teachers familiarize students with the content of the texts.
• The first ELA testlet a student receives will be from Section 1, the next testlet will be from Section 2, and so on.
• Sections are marked with an (S) if they are comprised of Story texts, and marked with an (I) if they are comprised of Informational texts.
• The levels on the left indicate the complexity level of the text and the testlet for that section, from most basic to most complex.

Guide to Familiar Texts (pdf)