What is the PASA DLM?

The PASA DLM (PA Alternate System of Assessment Dynamic Learning Maps) is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards.  This type of test is used to evaluate the performance of students who are unable to participate in the general state assessment (i.e., the PSSA and Keystone Exams) even with accommodations.  Alternate assessments provide a way for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to be included in the educational accountability system.  In addition, achievement descriptions on the alternate assessment are based upon what the state determines as high expectations for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.  Achievement standards on the alternate assessment will be different from achievement standards on the general assessment.

Both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act require the participation of all students, including students with disabilities, to participate in statewide testing.  Specifically, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, § 300.160 Participation in assessments, provides that a State must ensure that all children with disabilities are included in all general State and district-wide assessment programs, including assessments described under section 1111 of the ESEA, 20 U.S.C. 6311, with appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments, if necessary, as indicated in their respective IEPs. 

In PA, the PASA serves as the statewide alternate assessment for federal accountability.  PASA is administered in grades 3-8 and 11 in ELA (includes writing) and Math and grades 4, 8, and 11 in Science.  The PASA is for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities - which is about 1% of the total tested population.

The PASA is aligned to grade-level standards through Essential Elements (EEs). EEs are content that is reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity.  In order to participate in the PASA, students must be deemed eligible by the IEP Team.  The IEP team should review participation in statewide assessments annually and determine whether the student will participate in the general assessment (known as the PSSA or Keystone Exam) or the PASA.  The decision is based upon the IEP Team’s ability to answer “YES” to all six PASA eligibility criteria.  Decisions to participate in the alternate assessment should not be determined by an administrator, be based upon anticipated poor performance on the general assessment, or upon disability category.  Students eligible for the PASA should be receiving instruction aligned to EEs, and the IEP must include standards-aligned goals and objectives.