DLM Linkage Levels 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many linkage levels does DLM use for each Essential Element?
- 3
- 4
- 5 (Correct answer)
- 6
Correct answer: 5
DLM uses five linkage levels: Initial Precursor, Distal Precursor, Proximal Precursor, Target, and Successor.
Question 2: Which DLM linkage level most closely aligns to the grade-level academic content standard?
- Initial Precursor
- Distal Precursor
- Target (Correct answer)
- Successor
Correct answer: Target
The Target linkage level represents the skills most directly aligned to the grade-level Essential Element.
Question 3: What does the Initial Precursor linkage level represent in DLM?
- Skills that exceed the grade-level standard
- The most foundational prerequisite skills in the progression (Correct answer)
- Skills just below the Target level
- Mastery of the grade-level Essential Element
Correct answer: The most foundational prerequisite skills in the progression
Initial Precursor is the most basic entry point in the DLM learning progression, capturing students' earliest foundational skills.
Question 4: Which DLM linkage level represents skills that extend beyond the Target level?
- Proximal Precursor
- Target
- Successor (Correct answer)
- Distal Precursor
Correct answer: Successor
The Successor level represents advanced skills that go beyond the grade-level Target, demonstrating extended mastery.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of DLM's linkage level system?
- To rank students by cognitive ability
- To represent points along learning progressions toward grade-level content standards (Correct answer)
- To determine eligibility for special education services
- To classify types of disabilities for reporting
Correct answer: To represent points along learning progressions toward grade-level content standards
Linkage levels map out a progression of knowledge and skills leading toward grade-level academic standards, allowing appropriate instruction and assessment.
Question 6: Which linkage level is the closest precursor to the Target level in DLM?
- Initial Precursor
- Distal Precursor
- Proximal Precursor (Correct answer)
- Successor
Correct answer: Proximal Precursor
Proximal Precursor is the linkage level immediately below Target, meaning students at this level are very close to performing Target-level skills.
Question 7: The DLM linkage level system is specifically designed to serve which student population?
- Gifted and talented students
- English language learners
- Students with significant cognitive disabilities (Correct answer)
- Students with physical disabilities only
Correct answer: Students with significant cognitive disabilities
DLM was developed as an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who require a modified academic achievement standards assessment.
DLM Linkage Levels 1
How many linkage levels does DLM use for each Essential Element?