Assessment Results

Student Mastery

DLM student score reports provide results related to a student’s overall performance level for the subject. Student results are reported using the four performance levels approved by the partner states:

  • The student demonstrates emerging understanding of and ability to apply content knowledge and skills represented by the Essential Elements.
  • The student’s understanding of and ability to apply targeted content knowledge and skills represented by the Essential Elements is approaching the target.
  • The student’s understanding of and ability to apply content knowledge and skills represented by the Essential Elements is at target.
  • The student demonstrates advanced understanding of and ability to apply targeted content knowledge and skills represented by the Essential Elements.

DLM student reports also summarize results related to each student’s performance on groups of related Essential Elements. Additionally, a Learning Profile is included that shows the student’s mastery of certain skills, or levels, for each Essential Element.

Performance Level Descriptors

A Performance Level Descriptor is an overview of the knowledge, skills, and understandings students typically demonstrate at specific performance levels on DLM assessments. Not every student will demonstrate the skills described in each level.

For a detailed breakdown, see the Performance Level Descriptor Resources located on the right side of the page.

Interpreting Results

Interpretive guides for score reports are available for parents, teachers, and administrators, depending on state. Filter on the Scoring & Reporting resource category on your state’s webpage for resources to help you interpret your student’s assessment results.

Our Assessment Models

States participating in the DLM alternate assessment belong to one of two assessment models. Click the link below to learn more about the model differences and to see if your state participates in the IE or YE model.