New Jersey
Model
Year-End
2025-26 Testing Windows
Instructionally Embedded: 09/09/25 – 12/19/25
Spring:
Test administration window:
04/06/26 – 05/22/26
Makeup window:
05/26/26 – 05/29/26
Testing Subjects
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science
Contacts
Office of Assessments
New Jersey Spring 2026 Year End (YE) Assessment Window Broadcast
The 2025-2026 DLM YE test administration window is scheduled for April 6, 2026, through May 22, 2026. Makeup testing is scheduled for May 26, 2026, through May 29, 2026. Makeup testing may occur at any point throughout this administration window. The DLM YE assessment is mandatory. For more information, please review the Preparation for the 2025-2026 Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Year-End (YE) Alternate Assessment for Students with the Most Significant Intellectual Disabilities Broadcast that was released on December 3, 2025.
New Jersey 1% Participation Justification Forms for Exceeding the 1% Participation Cap
USED allows LEAs with more than 1% of their tested students taking the DLM to do so with justification. Any LEA that anticipates exceeding the 1% cap for the DLM year-end assessment in the 2025-2026 school year must complete the Tier 1 Universal Technical Assistance, an online self-paced training and submit the completed 1% Justification Form by January 30, 2026. For more information and action steps please review the October 22, 2025 Broadcast Memo.
REMINDER: Changes to Eligibility Categories for Participation in the Alternate Assessment, Effective Spring 2026
The DLM participation criteria for the 2025-2026 school year has been revised and is available on the New Jersey Dynamic Learning Maps Resources website. Additionally, the DLM Participation Criteria Updates webinar offers a detailed overview of the revised eligibility categories, provides comprehensive explanations of the changes, and thoroughly reviews the participation criteria in its entirety. For more information please review the March 12, 2025 Broadcast Memo.
Please visit the NJDOE Alternate Assessment webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Resources
Accessibility Manual (pdf) 06/30/2025
provides guidance on the selection and use of accessibility features
Assessment Coordinator Manual for Year-End Model States (pdf) 06/30/2025
supports district and building staff to prepare for and monitor assessments
Blueprint English Language Arts for Year-End Model States (pdf)
pool of available Essential Elements (EEs) and the requirements for coverage within each conceptual area
Blueprint Mathematics for Year-End Model (pdf)
pool of available Essential Elements (EEs) in Mathematics
Blueprint Science Phase I – General (pdf)
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
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) 07/31/2025
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 Year-End Model States
resources designed for district users, including Educator Portal how-to videos and role-specific training videos
DLM Familiar Texts for English Language Arts
resources and source books to assist in teaching students to comprehend text through listening or reading
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.