Pennsylvania

State of Pennsylvania image

Model
Year-End

2024-25 Testing Windows
Instructionally Embedded: 09/09/24–02/21/25
Spring: 03/10/25–05/02/25

Testing Subjects
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

Contacts
Lisa Hampe, Bureau of Special Education Advisor
Lynda Lupp, Statewide Special Education Assessment Coordinator

Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education
Pennsylvania Alternate Assessment Help Desk

Additional Information

  • The 2024-25 PASA DLM opens March 10 and concludes on May 2, 2025.
  • 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 page for directions).
  • For more information on timelines and training requirements see the 2024-25 PASA DLM Instruction and Assessment Calendar.
  • Assessment Coordinators should view the PA DLM Data Management for Assessment Coordinators (AC) for guidance on managing PASA DLM data including managing users, students, rosters, and test administration.
  • Teachers should view the PA DLM Instruction and Assessment Resources Padlet for resources that support English language arts, mathematics, science, professional development, and assessment.

Resources

Role
Resource Category
Content Area

PA DLM Crosswalk of Standards to EEs with Mini-Maps ELA (xlsx) 04/07/2025
supports curriculum planning through connections to grade-level PA Core ELA standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps 
PA DLM Crosswalk of Standards to EEs with Mini-Maps Math (xlsx) 04/07/2025
supports curriculum planning through connections to grade-level PA Core Math standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps 

PA DLM Eligibility Criteria (pdf)
tool IEP teams must use to determine if a student eligible to participate in the PASA DLM

PA DLM Exit Codes (pdf)
provides codes and definitions documenting reasons for removal of students from Kite Educator Portal

PA DLM Frequently Asked Questions for ACs/Teachers 2024-2025 (pdf) 
PA DLM Frequently Asked Questions Science Updates 2024-2025 (pdf) 
answers frequently asked questions about changes resulting from the adoption of PA STEELS standards and the revision of DLM essential elements in science

PA DLM Parent Assessment Notification Sample Letter (docx) 
PA DLM Parent Assessment Notification Sample Letter Spanish (docx) 
customizable letter for district/school notification to families about PASA DLM

PA DLM Religious Opt Out Procedure (pdf)
describes Pennsylvania's religious opt-out for alternate assessments and identifies required steps for parents and Assessment Coordinators

PA DLM Special Circumstance Codes (pdf)
provides PA-specific codes and definitions for students who do not complete assessments

PA DLM Unpacking EEs with Mini-Maps ELA (pdf) 04/07/2025
supports instructional planning through connections to grade-level PA Core ELA standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps 
PA DLM Unpacking EEs with Mini-Maps Math (pdf) 04/07/2025
supports instructional planning through connections to grade-level PA Core Math standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps 

Parent Interpretive Guide for Year-End Model States (pdf)
information about DLM assessment results and individual student reports

Parent Interpretive Guide (en Español) for Year-End Model States (pdf)
información sobre los resultados de las evaluaciones DLM y los informes individuales de estudiantes

Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
The above link accesses the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Alternate System of Assessment website with asynchronous webinars, resources, and ESSA 1% requirements.