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
PA DLM Crosswalk of Standards to EEs with Mini-Maps ELA (xlsx)
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)
supports curriculum planning through connections to grade-level PA Core Math standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps
PA DLM Crosswalk of Standards to EEs with Mini-Maps Science (xlsx) 01/21/2026
supports curriculum planning through connections to grade-level PA Core Science 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) 06/18/2025
provides codes and definitions documenting reasons for removal of students from Kite Educator Portal
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) 06/18/2025
describes Pennsylvania's religious opt-out for alternate assessments and identifies required steps for parents and Assessment Coordinators
PA DLM Special Circumstance Codes (Updated guidance for 2026 coming soon)
provides PA-specific codes and definitions for students who do not complete assessments
PA DLM Unpacking EEs with Mini-Maps ELA (pdf)
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)
supports instructional planning through connections to grade-level PA Core Math standards, Essential Elements, and mini-maps
Parent Interpretive Guide for Science (pdf)
information about DLM assessment results and individual student reports
Parent Interpretive Guide (en Español) for Science (pdf) 02/03/2026
información sobre los resultados de las evaluaciones DLM y los informes individuales de estudiantes