ELPA21 ELPA21 Score Reporting and Interpretation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How do ELPA21 scores connect to the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards?
- Each score level corresponds to performance expectations described in the ELP Standards (Correct answer)
- Scores are aligned to Common Core State Standards, not ELP Standards
- Scores only reflect oral language proficiency, not written standards
- Scores are reported independently of any standards framework
Correct answer: Each score level corresponds to performance expectations described in the ELP Standards
ELPA21 scores are directly linked to the ELP Standards, so each proficiency level reflects specific language performance expectations described in the standards.
Question 2: What does it mean when a student receives a 'not reportable' (NR) score on an ELPA21 domain?
- The student did not provide enough responses for the domain score to be calculated reliably (Correct answer)
- The student scored at the lowest possible proficiency level in that domain
- The student was absent on the day the domain was administered
- The student's responses were flagged for security reasons
Correct answer: The student did not provide enough responses for the domain score to be calculated reliably
An NR designation means insufficient responses were collected to generate a reliable domain score for that student.
Question 3: Which audience primarily uses ELPA21 classroom-level score reports to guide instruction?
- Teachers of ELL students (Correct answer)
- State education agency directors
- Federal program auditors
- School board members
Correct answer: Teachers of ELL students
Classroom-level ELPA21 score reports are designed for teachers to identify student strengths and areas needing instructional support.
Question 4: When comparing ELPA21 scores across years, why is it important that the assessment uses a stable vertical scale?
- A stable scale ensures that scores from different years measure the same construct at the same level, allowing valid growth comparisons (Correct answer)
- A stable scale prevents teachers from coaching students on specific test items
- A stable scale ensures equal numbers of items appear on every test form
- A stable scale guarantees that all students receive the same test questions
Correct answer: A stable scale ensures that scores from different years measure the same construct at the same level, allowing valid growth comparisons
A stable vertical scale maintains consistent measurement across years and grade bands, making year-over-year growth comparisons valid and meaningful.
Question 5: Which ELPA21 score is most useful for identifying students who may need intensive English language support at the beginning of a school year?
- The ELPA21 Screener composite score
- The prior year summative Overall Composite score (Correct answer)
- The individual item response log
- The district aggregate report percentile
Correct answer: The prior year summative Overall Composite score
The prior year ELPA21 summative Overall Composite score gives teachers a baseline proficiency level to identify students needing intensive language support.
Question 6: In ELPA21 reporting, what does 'disaggregated data' allow educators and administrators to examine?
- Performance differences among subgroups such as grade level, home language, or time in ELL program (Correct answer)
- Individual item-level responses for each student on every test form
- The exact wording of test questions alongside student answers
- Teacher credentials compared to student achievement outcomes
Correct answer: Performance differences among subgroups such as grade level, home language, or time in ELL program
Disaggregated ELPA21 data breaks results down by subgroups, helping educators identify patterns and equity gaps in English language development.
ELPA21 ELPA21 Score Reporting and Interpretation 3
How do ELPA21 scores connect to the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards?