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
DLM Score Report Videos for Year-End States
collection of videos to detailing DLM score report content and use
DLM Training for District Roles 08/05/2025
includes short, interactive lessons for assessment coordinators, data managers, technology managers, and district and building administrators, as well as general lessons regarding DLM vocabulary and what’s new for the current school year
DLM Writing Testlets Overview
training video designed to provide test administrators with specific information about DLM writing testlets
Educator Portal User Guide (pdf) 08/06/2025
provides guidance and support for users navigating Educator Portal
Educator Resource Videos for Year-End Model States
videos providing information about assessment format, accessibility, and Kite Educator Portal procedures
Facilitator Guide to DLM Required Test Administrator Training for Year-End Model States (pdf) 08/05/2025
supports facilitators in accessing DLM required test administration training and support resources
Guide to DLM Required Test Administrator Training for Year-End Model States (pdf) 08/05/2025
helps users access DLM required test administration training
Guide to Practice Activities and Released Testlets (pdf) 08/05/2025
familiarizes educators and students with testlets and Student Portal
Materials Collections for English Language Arts for Year-End States
list of materials commonly needed in ELA testlets
Materials Collections for Mathematics for Year-End Model States
list of materials commonly needed in Mathematics testlets
Materials Collections for Science
list of materials commonly needed in Science testlets
Materials Collections for Science - Field Test 1/15/2026
list of materials commonly needed in Science field test testlets