Accessibility Manual (pdf) 06/30/2026
provides guidance on the selection and use of accessibility features
Iowa
Model
Instructionally Embedded
2026-27 Testing Windows
Fall
Phase 1: September 14 – October 30, 2026
Phase 2: November 2 – December 18, 2026
Spring
Phase 1: February 1 – March 26, 2027
Phase 2: March 29 – May 21, 2027
Testing Subjects
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science
Contacts
Jennifer Denne, Assessment
There is no process for virtual administration for the DLM assessment. Administration is to only take place in person.
Resources
Assessment Coordinator Manual for Instructionally Embedded Model States (pdf) 06/30/2026
supports district and building staff to prepare for and monitor assessments
Blueprint English Language Arts for Instructionally Embedded Model States – Iowa (pdf) 07/22/2026
pool of available Essential Elements (EEs) and the requirements for coverage within each conceptual area
Blueprint Mathematics for Instructionally Embedded Model States - Iowa (pdf) 07/22/2026
pool of available Essential Elements (EEs) and the requirements for coverage within each conceptual area
Blueprint Science — General for Iowa (pdf) 07/22/2026
range of science Essential Elements (EEs) assessed
Complete List of Essential Elements for English Language Arts (pdf)
comprehensive list of all ELA Essential Elements currently part of the DLM learning map model
Complete List of Essential Elements for Mathematics (pdf)
comprehensive list of all mathematics Essential Elements currently part of the DLM learning map model
Completing the First Contact Survey and the Personal Needs and Preferences (PNP) Profile
This module serves as a self-guided tutorial for completing a student's Personal Learning Profile, which is comprised of the First Contact Survey and the Personal Needs and Preferences, or PNP, Profile. The module has two lessons that can be completed individually or consecutively.
Currently Tested Essential Elements for English Language Arts (with Mini-Maps)
lists of PDFs for each Essential Element available for assessment. These PDFs provide the nodes at each linkage level and a mini-map showing the pathways between the nodes.
Currently Tested Essential Elements for Mathematics (with Mini-Maps)
lists of PDFs for each Essential Element available for assessment. These PDFs provide the nodes at each linkage level and a mini-map showing the pathways between the nodes.
Currently Tested Essential Elements for Science (with Mini-Maps)
lists of PDFs for each Essential Element available for assessment. These PDFs provide the nodes at each linkage level and a mini-map showing the pathways between the nodes.
Data Management Manual (pdf) 07/31/2026
supports data managers with managing user, student, and roster data in Educator Portal
Development of DLM Essential Elements for Science (pdf)
a short description of how Essential Elements in science were developed
District Staff Video Resources for Instructionally Embedded Model States 
resources designed for district users, including Educator Portal how-to videos and role-specific training videos
Required Test Administrator Training
Training will become available via the Training tab in Educator Portal according to your state's scheduled training date. Refer to the Guide to DLM Required Test Administrator Training for instructions on accessing and completing the training. Facilitators should refer to the Facilitator Guide to DLM Required Test Administrator Training.