2 Essential Element Development

The Essential Elements (EEs) for science, which include three levels of cognitive complexity, are the conceptual and content basis for the Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) Alternate Assessment System for science, with the overarching purpose of supporting students with the most significant cognitive disabilities (SCD) in their learning of science content standards. For a complete description of the process used to develop the EEs for science, based on the organizing structure suggested by the Framework for K–12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (National Research Council, 2012, “Framework” hereafter) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS, NGSS Lead States, 2013), see Chapter 2 of the 2015–2016 Technical Manual—Science (Dynamic Learning Maps Consortium, 2017).