ATLAS hosts panel of special education and science education experts

ATLAS is bringing together special education and science education experts from around the country to review new drafts of science Essential Elements for the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) alternate assessment. DLM computer-based assessments are accessible to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, for whom general state assessments are not appropriate, even with accommodations.  

The external-review event in Chicago is October 27-28 and hosts 40 experts from 16 of the 20-plus DLM partner states. 

The science Essential Elements are a bridge between general education standards and academic expectations for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. They are learning objectives linked to the general education Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at reduced depth, breadth and complexity. The group meeting in Chicago will work to ensure that the science Essential Elements are linked to grade-level expectations from the NGSS and describe meaningful, challenging and attainable expectations.

“We’re excited to bring together people with rich expertise in teaching students with extensive support needs and experts on the leading edge of science education,” ATLAS Associate Director Russell Swinburne Romine said. “Access to the general education curriculum is an essential step for students to make academic progress relative to their grade level and to promote a future of opportunity after high school.”