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Iowa State Assessments · Alternate Assessment

Iowa Alternate Assessment Practice Test

Build confidence with five focused practice sets covering reading, communication, mathematics, science, everyday reasoning, and integrated assessment skills.

Iowa alternate assessment practice sets

This Iowa Alternate Assessment Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The activities use clear language and cover reading, communication, mathematics, science, applied reasoning, and integrated problem solving.

Skills covered

  • Reading main ideas, supporting details, sequences, vocabulary, text features, opinions, summaries, signs, and conversations
  • Counting, place value, addition, subtraction, equal groups, fractions, time, money, shapes, and reading simple charts
  • Living things, plant needs, matter, forces, weather, life cycles, habitats, energy, investigations, and engineering materials
  • Visual schedules, safety decisions, classification, patterns, forecasts, measurement comparisons, predictions, and complete responses
  • Integrated reading, data, math, science, evidence, measurement, categorization, informational text, and time problems

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Read each prompt carefully, use the information or visual cues provided, choose the best response, and review the explanation after every question.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It is not an official DLM assessment, released item set, eligibility decision, accommodation guide, or substitute for Iowa Department of Education guidance.

Iowa identifies Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) as its Alternate Assessment for eligible students. Current official scope and participation information should always be checked on the Iowa Department of Education Assessment & Testing page.

For the broader Iowa assessment hub, visit Iowa State Test Practice or explore Elementary School Tests, Middle School Tests, and High School Tests.

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Iowa Alternate Assessment Practice Questions

A 10-question Iowa alternate assessment practice set on applied skills and everyday reasoning, with answers and explanations.

Read or listen to each prompt carefully, use the words, symbols, visuals, or quantities provided, select one answer, and review the explanation after responding.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

A visual schedule shows breakfast, reading, and recess in that order. What comes after reading?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Recess.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: The schedule places recess after reading.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

The schedule places recess after reading.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Which action is safest before crossing a street?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Stop, look both ways, and listen..

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: Stopping and checking both ways supports safe crossing.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

Stopping and checking both ways supports safe crossing.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

A teacher says, “Point to the largest circle.” Which circle should be selected?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The circle with the greatest size.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: Largest means greatest in size.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

Largest means greatest in size.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

There are 10 classroom markers. Four are used. How many are left?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is 6.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: Subtract the four used markers from ten: 10 − 4 = 6.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

Subtract the four used markers from ten: 10 − 4 = 6.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Which item belongs in the same category as a spoon?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Fork.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: A fork is also a utensil used for eating.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

A fork is also a utensil used for eating.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

A pattern is red, blue, red, blue. What comes next?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Red.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: The two-color pattern repeats, so red follows blue.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

The two-color pattern repeats, so red follows blue.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which information helps you decide whether to wear a raincoat?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The weather forecast.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: A weather forecast can tell whether rain is expected.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

A weather forecast can tell whether rain is expected.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

A container holds 2 liters. A second container holds 5 liters. Which holds more?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is The second container.

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: Five liters is more than two liters.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

Five liters is more than two liters.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

A student predicts that a plant will grow taller after receiving water. What should the student do next?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Observe and measure the plant over time..

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: Observing and measuring tests the prediction with evidence.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

Observing and measuring tests the prediction with evidence.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Which choice shows a complete response to a question?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Answer the question and give a related detail..

  1. Understand the task: Read the prompt, identify the important words or quantities, and use the information that is given.
  2. Choose a response: A complete response answers the question and adds relevant information when needed.
  3. Check the result: Review the choice and make sure it answers the question in the same context.

A complete response answers the question and adds relevant information when needed.

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Frequently asked questions about Iowa Alternate Assessment Practice

What is Iowa's alternate assessment?

The Iowa Department of Education identifies Dynamic Learning Maps, or DLM, as Iowa's alternate assessment for eligible students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Current official information lists ELA and mathematics for Grades 3–11 and science for Grades 5, 8, and 11.

Are these official DLM questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions designed for general study and review. Use Iowa Department of Education guidance and official DLM materials for current policies, participation information, accessibility supports, and administration procedures.

How should students use these practice sets?

Work through one short set at a time, read or listen to each prompt, use the information provided, choose the best response, and review the explanation. Teachers and support teams should adapt the presentation to the student's communication and accessibility needs.