DLM Linkage Levels 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'Distal Precursor' mean in the context of DLM linkage levels?
- A skill far from but prerequisite to the Target level (Correct answer)
- A skill that exceeds the Target level
- The grade-level standard itself
- A skill adjacent to the Target level
Correct answer: A skill far from but prerequisite to the Target level
Distal Precursor refers to prerequisite skills that are further removed from the Target level than Proximal Precursor, representing an intermediate step in the learning progression.
Question 2: Which sequence correctly orders DLM linkage levels from most foundational to most advanced?
- Target → Proximal Precursor → Distal Precursor → Initial Precursor → Successor
- Initial Precursor → Distal Precursor → Proximal Precursor → Target → Successor (Correct answer)
- Successor → Target → Proximal Precursor → Distal Precursor → Initial Precursor
- Initial Precursor → Target → Proximal Precursor → Successor → Distal Precursor
Correct answer: Initial Precursor → Distal Precursor → Proximal Precursor → Target → Successor
The five DLM linkage levels progress from most foundational to most advanced: Initial Precursor, Distal Precursor, Proximal Precursor, Target, Successor.
Question 3: How does DLM assign students to an appropriate linkage level for assessment?
- By fixed-form tests administered at the start of the year
- Through a computer-adaptive system that adjusts based on prior performance (Correct answer)
- Through parent or guardian nomination
- By teacher preference alone
Correct answer: Through a computer-adaptive system that adjusts based on prior performance
DLM uses a computer-adaptive model that uses evidence from earlier testlets to route students to testlets at the most appropriate linkage level.
Question 4: In DLM, the First Contact survey helps educators accomplish which of the following?
- Record student attendance for the year
- Gather information to help determine an appropriate starting linkage level (Correct answer)
- Notify parents of assessment dates
- Certify teacher eligibility to administer the assessment
Correct answer: Gather information to help determine an appropriate starting linkage level
The First Contact survey collects data on student skills and characteristics that the system uses to establish an initial linkage level for each Essential Element.
Question 5: What is the relationship between linkage levels and Essential Elements in DLM?
- Each Essential Element has one fixed linkage level that all students must reach
- Each Essential Element has multiple linkage levels representing a progression of skills (Correct answer)
- Linkage levels and Essential Elements are completely separate systems
- Essential Elements replace linkage levels in DLM science assessments
Correct answer: Each Essential Element has multiple linkage levels representing a progression of skills
Every Essential Element in DLM has a set of five linkage levels, each describing skills at a different point along the learning progression toward that element's grade-level standard.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'testlet' in DLM?
- A short standardized test given annually
- A brief assessment activity targeting a specific linkage level of an Essential Element (Correct answer)
- A teacher-made quiz for classroom use
- A parent-facing report on student progress
Correct answer: A brief assessment activity targeting a specific linkage level of an Essential Element
A DLM testlet is a short assessment consisting of a few items that targets a specific linkage level of a specific Essential Element.
Question 7: What is the primary benefit of DLM's linkage level system for students with significant cognitive disabilities?
- It allows students to skip grade levels based on performance
- It provides access to academic content at developmentally appropriate entry points (Correct answer)
- It reduces the total number of assessments students must complete
- It eliminates the requirement for IEP annual goals
Correct answer: It provides access to academic content at developmentally appropriate entry points
Linkage levels ensure that students with significant cognitive disabilities can access academic content starting from their current knowledge base, supporting meaningful learning and assessment.
DLM Linkage Levels 2
What does the term 'Distal Precursor' mean in the context of DLM linkage levels?