Pennsylvania
Model
Year-End
2025-26 Testing Windows
Instructionally Embedded: 09/08/25–02/20/26
Spring: 03/09/26–05/01/26
Testing Subjects
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science
Contacts
Lisa Hampe, Bureau of Special Education Advisor
Lynda Lupp, Program Administrator
Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education
Pennsylvania Alternate Assessment Help Desk
- The 2025-26 PASA DLM window opens March 9 and concludes on May 1, 2026.
- Is your school ready? 6 steps must be completed before testlets can be released:
- The state testing window must be open.
- The security agreement must be completed.
- The teacher must complete the RTAT (Required Test Administrator Training).
- Students must be rostered to a teacher for each subject they will be assessed.
- The First Contact Survey (FCS) must be submitted for each student.
- Student Portal must be installed on the student computer (see the Kite Suite link for directions).
- Required update for 2025-26: Administrators must re-enable the Chrome app in kiosk mode to continue using Kite Student Portal. Please review the Kite Student Portal Updates for 2026 (pdf) for detailed information and specific steps to complete this update.
- For more information on timelines and training requirements, see the 2025-26 PASA DLM Instruction and Assessment Calendar.
- For guidance to PASA ACs on key data management tasks, see the PA DLM Data Management for Assessment Coordinators (AC).
- For resources supporting instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, see the PA DLM Instruction and Assessment Resources Padlet.
Resources
Accessibility Manual (pdf) 06/30/2025
provides guidance on the selection and use of accessibility features
Assessment Coordinator Manual for Pennsylvania (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 for Pennsylvania (pdf) 07/31/2025
supports district and building staff with managing user, student, 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