Proficiency Level Descriptors Flashcards

A teacher observes that a student's writing shows simple sentence structures on familiar topics with frequent grammatical errors. Which ELPA21 proficiency level does this most closely align with?

Answer: Level 2

Writing simple sentences on familiar topics with grammatical errors is characteristic of Level 2 proficiency in the ELPA21 writing domain.

According to ELPA21 PLDs, which skill would a Level 4 student in the Listening domain most likely demonstrate?

Answer: Understanding most extended oral discourse on academic topics with minimal support

Level 4 students can typically understand most extended academic oral language with minimal scaffolding, reflecting strong but not yet fully proficient listening skills.

How do ELPA21 PLDs assist educators in identifying appropriate instructional scaffolding for ELL students?

Answer: They describe the types of support students at each level need to access academic content

PLDs describe both language behaviors and the level of support students need, helping teachers identify and plan appropriate instructional scaffolding strategies.

A student at ELPA21 Level 3 in the Speaking domain would most likely be able to do which of the following?

Answer: Communicate on familiar topics using connected sentences with some errors

Level 3 speakers can communicate on familiar topics using connected language, though with noticeable grammatical errors and limited linguistic complexity.

How can ELPA21 PLDs be used to support communication with parents about ELL student progress?

Answer: They provide descriptive language that explains what students can do in parent-friendly terms

PLDs give teachers and schools accessible 'can-do' language to explain to parents what their child currently does with English and what the next stage of growth looks like.

What is the significance of aligning ELPA21 PLDs with the ELPA21 English Language Proficiency Standards?

Answer: It ensures that proficiency descriptions match the language skills the ELP Standards identify as important for ELLs to develop

Aligning PLDs with ELP Standards ensures that proficiency descriptions directly reflect the language skills standards expect ELLs to develop, creating coherence between assessment and instruction.

A district uses ELPA21 PLDs to place a newly enrolled ELL student in the appropriate level of language support services. Which ELPA21 assessment result would most directly inform this decision?

Answer: The student's ELPA21 Screener proficiency level matched to corresponding PLDs

The ELPA21 Screener places students at a proficiency level, and the corresponding PLDs describe their language abilities, directly informing decisions about appropriate language support services.