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
Parent Interpretive Guide for Instructionally Embedded Model States for Iowa (pdf)
information about DLM assessment results and individual student reports
Parent Interpretive Guide for Instructionally Embedded Model States for Iowa (en Español) (pdf)
información sobre los resultados de las evaluaciones DLM y los informes individuales de estudiantes
Parent Notification Letter for Instructionally Embedded Model (docx)
notification letter for parents for districts testing in English language arts, Mathematics, and Science
Parent Notification Letter for Instructionally Embedded Model States (en Español) (docx)
carta de notificación para los distritos examinándose en Matemáticas, Artes del Idioma Inglés, y Ciencia
Parent Portal User Guide for District Staff (pdf)
please reference the video guide for instructions on how to view score reports
Parent Portal User Guide for Parents (pdf)
Parent Portal User Guide for Parents (en Español) (pdf)
reference the video guide for instructions on how to view score reports
The Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment Consortium supports educators with professional development modules. Learn more at DLM's professional development site, hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Professional Development Modules Supporting Essential Elements (xlsx)
these tables (one tab each for Mathematics and ELA) cross-reference specific professional development modules to Essential Elements. This gives teachers the ability to further enhance instruction on specific Essential Elements
Sample Testlet Information Pages and Released Testlets in English Language Arts
resources providing test administrators with information specific to ELA testlets
Sample Testlet Information Pages and Released Testlets in Mathematics
resources providing test administrators with information specific to mathematics testlets
Sample Testlet Information Pages and Released Testlets in Science
resources providing test administrators with information specific to science testlets
Science Instructional Activities
instructional activities to support teachers using DLM science Essential Elements during instruction
State Organizational Table for Iowa (xlsx) 09/19/2025
names and numbers of schools and districts in Iowa
Talking to Parents about DLM Score Reports for Instructionally Embedded Model States (pdf)
formerly called the Teacher Interpretive Guide, this document helps teachers when talking to parents about DLM student reports
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.