Roselle Schools Share DLM Results and 90-Day Action Plan

The Roselle Public School Board of Education held a workshop meeting on September 24, 2026 to review Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment results and discuss an instructional action plan for improved student outcomes. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Fisher and Director of Special Services Patrice Coleman presented data on English Language Arts and Mathematics performance along with specific strategies for improvement.

DYNAMIC LEARNING MAPS ASSESSMENT

The Dynamic Learning Maps assessment provides an accessible way for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate what they know and can do. The assessment is used for students for whom the general state assessment is not appropriate, even with accommodations.

"The students with the most significant cognitive disabilities take our DLM assessment. Students for whom the general state assessment is not appropriate, even with accommodations," Coleman explained. "The [Individual Education Plan] team applies state participation guidelines and documents the individual assessment decision."

The DLM measures achievement through alternate academic standards connected to grade-level content. It gives educators information about the instruction and support required for student achievement.

2026 ASSESSMENT RESULTS

The district presented specific performance data from the DLM assessment. Performance levels are classified as Emerging (beginning to show understanding), Approaching Target (showing some targeted knowledge and moving closer to expected level), and Target Level (showing understanding and application of expected skills).

In English Language Arts, results showed 70% of students were emerging, 30% were approaching target, and 0% were at target.

In Mathematics, 67% of students were emerging, 22% were approaching target, and 11% were at target.

Union County Life covers school board decisions and education across all 21 Union County municipalities.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTION PLAN

In response to the assessment results, the district laid out an instructional action plan with a 90-day timeframe. The plan includes five key goals: analyzing, teaching and accessing, monitoring, and adjusting instructional practices.

Coleman detailed each action with evidence-based definitions. The goals are to be reviewed within 30 days, weekly, twice monthly, and monthly throughout the 90-day period.

The first 90 days will include instructional work, leadership support, and deliverables. Leadership checks are designed to assist in preparation for students taking the DLM assessment from April to May 2027.

SPECIAL SERVICES FOCUS

The workshop meeting highlighted the district's commitment to supporting students with significant cognitive disabilities and ensuring they have access to appropriate assessments and instructional support. The action plan represents the district's structured response to assessment data and dedication to improved outcomes.

FAQ

What is the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment?
The Dynamic Learning Maps is an accessible assessment that provides an alternative way for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate what they know and can do. It measures achievement through alternate academic standards connected to grade-level content in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Who takes the DLM assessment?
Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities take the DLM assessment, specifically those for whom the general state assessment is not appropriate, even with accommodations. The IEP team determines which students participate.

What are the DLM performance levels?
Performance levels are Emerging (beginning to show understanding), Approaching Target (showing some targeted knowledge and moving closer to the expected level), and Target Level (showing understanding and application of expected skills).

What were Roselle's ELA assessment results?
In English Language Arts, 70% of students were emerging, 30% were approaching target, and 0% were at target.

What were Roselle's Mathematics assessment results?
In Mathematics, 67% of students were emerging, 22% were approaching target, and 11% were at target.

What is the district's response to these results?
The district created a 90-day instructional action plan with five key goals: analyzing, teaching and accessing, monitoring, and adjusting. The plan includes specific review timelines and leadership checks to improve student outcomes.

How long is the action plan?
The instructional action plan has a 90-day timeframe for implementation. Goals are reviewed within 30 days, weekly, twice monthly, and monthly throughout the period.

When will students take the DLM assessment next?
Students will take the DLM assessment from April to May 2027. The 90-day action plan is designed to prepare students for this upcoming assessment.

Who presented the assessment data?
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Fisher and Director of Special Services Patrice Coleman presented the assessment data and instructional action plan at the September 24 board workshop meeting.

What role does the IEP team play?
The Individual Education Plan (IEP) team applies state participation guidelines and documents individual assessment decisions for students taking the DLM assessment.