New Jersey

State of New Jerseyimage

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 Department of Education

New Jersey Alternate Assessment Website

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

Role
Resource Category
Content Area

Technology Specifications Manual (pdf) 07/31/2025
supports technology personnel in preparing schools for the technology needs of the DLM assessment

TEC (Test, Exit, Clear) Upload Template (csv) 07/23/2025
template used to batch remove students from Educator Portal

Test Administration Manual (pdf) 07/31/2025
supports Test Administrators in preparing themselves and students for the DLM assessment

User Upload Template (csv) 07/23/2025
template used to upload multiple users into Educator Portal

Using Mini-Maps to Plan Instruction (pdf)
Includes an example ELA mini-map to illustrate the features and uses of mini-maps for ELA, mathematics, and science

Keywords for search: mini map mini-map mini-maps minimap minimaps

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.