Instructional Resources for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
The Bureau of Special
Education (BSE) is committed to ensuring students with the most
significant cognitive disabilities are provided accessible, standards aligned
instruction and fair, equitable assessments. This page is a starting
place for families, educators, and administrators to access standards aligned
content and instructional and assessment resources for students eligible for
the PA Alternate System of Assessment Dynamic Learning Maps (PASA DLM).
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results – including students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. This professional development and technical assistance take many forms in order to meet the varied needs of PaTTAN's constituents. Week-long summer institutes, ongoing professional development series, webinars, on-site assistance, and individual student or teacher supports are some of the means by which PaTTAN provides support to schools. A vast array of online resources are also available through PaTTAN.
Access PaTTAN's resources
Standards Aligned System (SAS)
The Standards Aligned System (SAS), developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is a comprehensive, researched-based resource to improve student achievement. SAS identifies six elements that impact student achievement: Standards, Assessments, Curriculum Framework, Instruction, Materials & Resources, and Safe and Supportive Schools. Schools and educators across Pennsylvania are supported in their efforts to implement SAS by the development of a state-of-the-art portal. There are a variety of teacher resources on the SAS portal applicable to instruction and assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
To view instructional accessible content for students with significant cognitive disabilities aligned to PA Standards, select Download PASA DLM Essential Elements - SAS (pdesas.org). To view tested accessible content for students with significant cognitive disabilities, select PASA - SAS (pdesas.org).
For a guide to understanding standards aligned instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, go to Understanding Standards Aligned Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities FAQ
Dynamic Learning Maps Professional Development Series
DLM is a consortium of state departments of education who use and develop the DLM Alternate Assessment system. In Pennsylvania, the alternate assessment is known as the PASA DLM. The PASA DLM is a comprehensive system of content, instructional resources, and professional development to support teachers of complex learners. To access PASA DLM resources, go to Pennsylvania | Dynamic Learning Maps. To view the comprehensive professional development website available to all stakeholders, go to Professional Development | Dynamic Learning Maps.