English Language

Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century

(E L P A 21)

(Required for DTCs, STCs, and ELPA21 TAs)

ELPA21

Understand the definition and purpose of the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21)

Administer the ELPA21 appropriately

Objectives

ELPA21

The ELPA21 (English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century) measures the proficiency of English Learners (ELs) in reading, writing, speaking and listening English based on Oregon’s 2013 English Language Proficiency Standards.

Used as part of Title I accountability to document which students are Limited English Proficient and as part of Title III Accountability incorporated into the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAO).

Required for all students eligible to receive English Language Development (ELD) services.

Purpose and Use

ELPA21

2015-16 ELPA21 test window: Feb. 2 – April 12 (TAM Appendix A)

Each test opportunity is subject to a 45-day expiration period and expired assessments are not re-opened. (TAM, Sec. 9.5)

There is a 60-minute pause rule for ELPA21. This is a change from the previous Oregon ELPA to the new ELPA21. (TAM, Sec. 9.5)

As we transition to this new summative assessment, no ELPA21 scores will be available during school year 2015-16.

Test Schedule and Scoring

ELPA21: SECTION 9.0

ELPA21

Review Section 9 of the Test Administration Manual and your training notes

Identify students to be tested Make sure you have the correct SSID for each

student Make sure each student’s LEP flag is set to “Y” in

TIDE

Verify that any 2015-16 domain exemptions are programmed in TIDE before starting the test (TAM, Sec. 9.4)

Provide students with opportunities to become familiar with the test format and technology

Check headsets to ensure they are properly installed and functioning correctly (Use the Practice Test to check headsets)

Before Testing

ELPA21

In 2015-16, ELPA21 is administered as one fixed form test, with the speaking domain segmented at the end.

The Kindergarten and the 1st Grade tests are now separated in single grade bands

Both the Kindergarten and 1st grade ELPA21 includes a paper/pencil writing section. (TAM, Sec. 9.1)

While the ELPA21 is not timed, we estimate that it will take from 60 to 120 minutes to complete, depending on grade level. (TAM, Sec. 5.1)

In 2015-16, ELPA21 is supported on iPads and Chromebooks, in addition to desktops and laptops.

No Android Tablets or iPad Mini for 2015-16

Test Administration

ELPA21

Monitor to ensure that students only have access to the allowable resources listed in the Oregon Accessibility Manual (OAM) (TAM, Sec. 6.2)

If breaking up the test into multiple sessions, allow students to finish all presented items on the screen before

pausing the test. (TAM, Sec. 9.5)

This year, ELPA21 has a 60-minute pause rule. If breaking the test into multiple

sessions, students must review all previous responses before pausing, as those

responses will be “locked” and will not be changeable upon the log-in, unless it

occurs prior to 60 minutes.

ELPA21 is divided into 2 main segments: Segment 1 is the Listening, Reading and Writing domains with one TA approval, then the Speaking segment with a 2nd TA approval. Once the 1st segment is submitted, students cannot go back to review or change answers.

Test Administration (cont’d)

ELPA21

For the ELPA21 Speaking segment, students may receive a pop-up warning if their recorded response is too soft. Students can play back their responses to verify before moving on and can re-record if necessary.

For students whose IEP or 504 Plan exempts them from a domain, enter domain exemption in TIDE as a restricted resource prior to approving the student to test. When in doubt, don’t start the ELPA21. Always check the exemptions first. (TAM, Sec. 9.3)

Remember: All domain exemptions that were programmed during 2014-15 were removed from TIDE on October 1, 2015. Any 2015-16 exemptions must be freshly programmed, prior to the start of the ELPA21 for that student, based on updated IEPs or 504 plans.

Test Administration (cont’d)

ELPA21

If a student arrived at a U.S. school: On or before May 1, 2015, the student must take the ELPA21 and all state assessments: ELA, Math, and Science (as appropriate for his/her grade).

After May 1, 2015, the student must take the ELPA21 and state assessments in Math and Science (as appropriate for his/her grade).Between April 1 and April 30, 2016, the student must take the assessments in Math and Science (as appropriate for his/her grade) but is not required to take the ELPA21 (unless the student is enrolled and officially identified as an EL on or before April 12, 2016).On or after May 1, 2016, the student is not required to test. Please note: if a Newcomer misses the ELPA21 window AND is not required to take the ELA assessment, they will be considered a non-participant for that AMO. (TAM Appendix B, Table 21)

Important dates to remember

ELPA21

An identified EL cannot be exempted from taking ELPA21. All identified ELs must participate. Schools must use the ELPA21 for ALL students eligible for services under the ESEA criteria for an English Learner, regardless of whether the student actually receives services.

Reclassified students in Year 1 or Year 2 of monitor status should not participate in the ELPA21unless they were reclassified “late.” The late-exit date for 2015-16 was September 18, 2015.

No ELPA21 test items should ever be translated or read aloud.

Key Administration Points

ELPA21 Best Practice Reminders Familiarize yourself and your students ahead of testing

about available accommodations and supports, especially for newcomer ELs.

Use Table 19 to assist students who are not familiar with technology/computer operations. (TAM, Sec. 9.2)

The ELPA21 Consortium recommends smaller testing groups while students acclimate to the new assessment. The recommended ratios are:

ELPA21

You may have students pause the ELPA21 at the beginning of the speaking domain and have the student resume later, being sure to keep in mind the 45-day test expiration period (expired ELPA21s are not re-opened).

You might choose to provide students with a name tag with picture to avoid confusion during the log-in process.

Best Practices (cont’d)

ELPA21

User Role Description

District Test Coordinator

Sections 1 – 14 of the Test Administration Manual Appendices A – F of the Test Administration Manual The Oregon Accessibility Manual (see OAM for role-

specific reading requirements) (http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=487)

School Test Coordinator

Sections 1 – 12 of the Test Administration Manual Appendices A – F of the Test Administration Manual The Oregon Accessibility Manual (see OAM for role-

specific reading requirements) (http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=487)

ELPA21 Test Administrators

Sections 1 - 4 of the Test Administration Manual Section 9 of the TAM Appendix A of the Test Administration Manual The Oregon Accessibility Manual (see OAM for role-

specific reading requirements) (http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=487)

ELPA21

ELPA21 Webpage http:www.ode.state.or.us/go/elpa21

Test Administration Manual, Section 9 http:www.ode.state.or.us/go/tam

Promising Practices: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=2444

OAKS Portal and Practice Tests:http://www.oaksportal.org

Oregon Accessibility Manual:http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=487

Online Resources