6 Standard Setting

The standard setting process for the Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) Alternate Assessment System in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics derived cut points for describing student achievement relative to four performance levels based on results from the 2014–2015 DLM alternate assessments. Because of blueprint revisions adopted beginning in 2019–2020, the original cut points were adjusted in spring 2022.¹⁰ Adjustment occurred in spring 2022 rather than 2020 due to COVID-19 affecting both the 2020 and 2021 administrations. For a description of the process, including the development of policy performance level descriptors, the four-day standard setting meeting, follow-up evaluation of impact data and cut points, the adjustment process, and specification of grade- and content-specific performance level descriptors, see Chapter 6 of the 2021–2022 Technical Manual—Year-End Model (Dynamic Learning Maps Consortium, 2022).