ELPA21 - English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century Proficiency Level Determination Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student's ELPA21 Summative Assessment results show the following domain levels: Listening-4, Reading-4, Speaking-3, and Writing-4. Based on the ELPA21 proficiency determination rules, what is the student's overall proficiency level?
- Emerging
- Progressing (Correct answer)
- Proficient
- Early Advanced
Correct answer: Progressing
To be classified as 'Proficient,' a student must achieve a Level 4 or higher in all four domains. Since this student scored a Level 3 in Speaking, they do not meet the criteria for Proficient. A student is 'Progressing' if they have one or more domain scores above Level 2 but do not meet the 'Proficient' requirements. This student's profile fits the 'Progressing' definition.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes how ELPA21 determines a student's overall proficiency status (e.g., Emerging, Progressing, Proficient)?
- By averaging the scale scores from the four language domains.
- By using the single highest domain score achieved by the student.
- By analyzing the specific combination of performance levels across the four domains, known as a profile. (Correct answer)
- By solely considering the student's performance on the Reading and Writing domains.
Correct answer: By analyzing the specific combination of performance levels across the four domains, known as a profile.
ELPA21 does not average scores but uses a 'profile' approach. The overall proficiency determination is made by looking at the combination of the student's performance levels (1-5) in all four domains (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing).
Question 3: An educator is reviewing the Individual Student Report for an English learner. The report shows a 'Proficient' determination. According to ELPA21 guidelines, this indicates that the student has attained the English skills necessary to do what?
- Begin participating in classroom activities with significant support.
- Communicate fluently in social, non-academic situations.
- Independently engage in and succeed in grade-level academic tasks. (Correct answer)
- Score at the highest possible level in at least two of the four domains.
Correct answer: Independently engage in and succeed in grade-level academic tasks.
The 'Proficient' determination signifies that a student has demonstrated the level of English language skill needed to independently produce, interpret, collaborate on, and succeed in grade-level academic content-related tasks. This is the threshold for being considered for reclassification.
Question 4: A student receives domain scores of Level 1 in Listening, Level 2 in Reading, Level 1 in Speaking, and Level 2 in Writing on the ELPA21 Summative Assessment. This student's proficiency determination would be:
- Proficient
- Progressing
- Proficiency Not Determined
- Emerging (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Emerging
The 'Emerging' proficiency level is assigned to students who attain a profile consisting exclusively of Levels 1 and 2 in all four language domains. This student's scores fall entirely within this range.
Question 5: Which of the following statements is true regarding the determination of proficiency levels across different grade bands on the ELPA21?
- The same cut scores are used to determine proficiency levels for all grades K-12.
- Proficiency is only determined for students in the upper-grade bands (6-12).
- Different cut scores are assigned at each grade level or grade band to determine proficiency. (Correct answer)
- A student's proficiency level is determined relative to the average score of their peers in the same grade.
Correct answer: Different cut scores are assigned at each grade level or grade band to determine proficiency.
ELPA21 assessments are developed for different grade bands (e.g., K, 1, 2-3, 4-5, etc.). To account for developmental and academic differences, different cut scores are established for each grade or grade band to define the performance levels.
Question 6: A teacher is explaining ELPA21 results to a parent. The student's profile is Listening-5, Reading-5, Speaking-4, and Writing-4. Which statement would be the most accurate explanation of this result?
- The student is 'Progressing' because not all scores were a Level 5.
- The student is 'Proficient' because they scored a Level 4 or higher in all four domains. (Correct answer)
- The student's overall proficiency is an average of the four domain levels.
- The student needs to retake the assessment because the domain scores are not identical.
Correct answer: The student is 'Proficient' because they scored a Level 4 or higher in all four domains.
The rule for achieving a 'Proficient' determination on the ELPA21 Summative assessment is to score a Level 4 or Level 5 in all four domains. This student's profile meets this criterion, making them Proficient.
ELPA21 - English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century Proficiency Level Determination Questions and Answers
A student's ELPA21 Summative Assessment results show the following domain levels: Listening-4, Reading-4, Speaking-3, and Writing-4.
Based on the ELPA21 proficiency determination rules, what is the student's overall proficiency level?