DLM Communication Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the DLM framework, which Essential Element best describes a student who uses a speech-generating device to request preferred activities?
- EE.SL.K.1 - Uses communication to express wants/needs (Correct answer)
- EE.RI.1.1 - Asks and answers questions about key details
- EE.L.K.4 - Determines word meaning from context
- EE.W.2.1 - Writes opinion pieces with reasons
Correct answer: EE.SL.K.1 - Uses communication to express wants/needs
Using a speech-generating device to request preferred activities aligns with EE.SL.K.1, which targets intentional communication to express wants and needs.
Question 2: A student with significant cognitive disabilities points to a photo symbol to greet a peer. This communication skill is best categorized under which DLM strand?
- Speaking and Listening (SL) (Correct answer)
- Reading Informational Text (RI)
- Language (L)
- Writing (W)
Correct answer: Speaking and Listening (SL)
Greeting a peer through any modality — including pointing to a symbol — is a Speaking and Listening skill within the DLM framework.
Question 3: Which communication function does a student demonstrate when they shake their head 'no' to reject an offered item?
- Protesting/rejecting (Correct answer)
- Requesting more
- Commenting/labeling
- Initiating a topic
Correct answer: Protesting/rejecting
Shaking the head 'no' to reject an item is a form of protesting or rejecting, one of the foundational communication functions in DLM.
Question 4: According to DLM learning map nodes, what is a prerequisite skill for a student to engage in two-way conversational exchanges?
- Responding to communicative attempts from others (Correct answer)
- Reading grade-level text fluently
- Writing complete sentences independently
- Matching 20 or more printed words
Correct answer: Responding to communicative attempts from others
Responding to communicative attempts from others is a foundational node in the DLM map that precedes sustained two-way exchanges.
Question 5: A teacher is targeting EE.SL.2.1 (participating in collaborative conversations). Which instructional strategy best supports this Essential Element?
- Structured partner sharing with communication supports (Correct answer)
- Silent independent reading with graphic organizers
- Timed writing prompts with sentence starters
- Whole-class direct instruction with lecture format
Correct answer: Structured partner sharing with communication supports
Structured partner sharing with communication supports directly engages collaborative conversation skills targeted by EE.SL.2.1.
Question 6: In DLM, what does the term 'symbolic communication' refer to?
- Using words, pictures, or symbols that stand for real objects and ideas (Correct answer)
- Physically handing an object to another person to make a request
- Moving toward a desired item without any representational system
- Crying or laughing as a reflexive emotional response
Correct answer: Using words, pictures, or symbols that stand for real objects and ideas
Symbolic communication uses conventional symbols — words, pictures, or AAC symbols — that represent real objects or concepts, distinguishing it from pre-symbolic acts.
Question 7: Which scenario demonstrates a student moving from pre-symbolic to symbolic communication on the DLM learning map?
- A student transitions from reaching toward juice to touching a 'juice' picture symbol to request it (Correct answer)
- A student reads a paragraph about fruit aloud without errors
- A student writes the word 'juice' in a journal entry
- A student listens to a story about drinks and answers literal questions
Correct answer: A student transitions from reaching toward juice to touching a 'juice' picture symbol to request it
Transitioning from a pre-symbolic reach to touching a picture symbol marks the shift to symbolic communication on the DLM learning map.
DLM Communication Skills 2
In the DLM framework, which Essential Element best describes a student who uses a speech-generating device to request preferred activities?