Standardized Language Proficiency Assessments

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Introduction
Standardized language proficiency assessments provide evidence of how well ELL programs meet the requirements of federal and state regulations. In addition, these assessments provide ELL teachers with data on student progress, information about the language proficiency of students, and diagnostic information about student strengths and weaknesses in English. Three available standardized tests, the WELPA Placement Test, the ELPA21 Screener, and the ELPA21 Summative Assessment, are described in this essay including similarities and differences with description of how these tests are given for a variety of purposes including entry into an ELL program, movement between levels, and exit from ELL programs.
Standardized Language Proficiency Tests
1. WELPA Placement Test
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. The WELPA Placement Test is given to all students whose families answer “a language other than English” to question #2 or to #3 on the Home Language Survey (see partial copy below) as part of the registration process for new students. Students in grades K–12 use pencils to enter their responses directly into a paper test book, completing tests in reading, writing, listening and speaking knowledge and skills in English. Students who score at Levels 1 (beginning), 2 (intermediate), or 3 (advanced) on the Placement Test qualify for additional help to improve their English. For the 2016-17 School Year districts will continue to use the WELPA Placement Test to determine initial student eligibility for English language development (ELD) services (State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2017). For the following school year, the WELPA will be replaced by the ELPA21 Screener which will be also be described in this essay as item