What is ELPA?
The ELPA21 assessment system measures a student’s proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening to, and understanding English. It comprises two assessments: the screener assessment and the summative assessment.
ELPA21’s screener assessment is used to identify students who may qualify as English language learners (ELLs). It is given either at the beginning of the school year or at the time a student arrives at a new school system. Students who qualify as ELLs as a result of the ELPA21 screener assessment are placed into their school’s ELL program and receive supplemental English learning support throughout the school year.
At the end of each school year, all designated ELLs are required to take the ELPA21 summative assessment. Results from that assessment are used to determine whether a student still qualifies as an English language learner or whether a student has achieved a sufficient level of proficiency in English so that he or she no longer needs support and can exit the school’s ELL program.
The ELPA21 assessment is different from standard classroom tests. Instead of measuring a student’s knowledge of academic content, ELPA21 measures a student’s ability to understand and communicate in English. Performance on the ELPA21 screener and summative assessments will not affect your student’s grades, your student’s subject-based test scores, or your school’s overall state performance rating. Results from the ELPA21 assessment are used to determine whether a student qualifies for English support services and what types of services might be needed.
Why use ELPA?
Your student’s school adopted new ELP Standards that emphasize the important connection between learning English and understanding classroom content. The ELPA21 assessments are aligned with these high-quality standards and are designed to be more engaging and interactive for students. The tests are computer-based and include questions and prompts that mimic classroom interactions that students are familiar with, such as student presentations, hallway conversations, and debates.
Preparing for ELPA
How can I help my student get ready?
You are an important partner in your student’s education. Here are some things you can do to help prepare him or her for ELPA21:
- Speak to your student’s teacher about which areas of English your student needs to focus on improving.
- Set aside time every day to have your student read his or her favorite books to you.