ELPA21 Study Guide 2026

An ELPA21 task integrating reading and listening would typically involve students processing information from both modalities to complete a task. For example, students might listen to a story or lecture and then read a related article or set of questions to formulate their answers. This requires them to synthesize information from both auditory and textual sources to demonstrate comprehensive understanding.

The ELPA21 integrates writing and speaking skills by having students first compose a written piece and then verbally present or discuss it. An example would be writing a letter or a report and then delivering it as a speech or presentation. This type of task assesses a student's ability to organize thoughts in writing and then articulate those ideas effectively through spoken language.

Secure test materials must be immediately returned to the test coordinator and handled according to the district's secure materials protocol to protect test integrity.

The ELPA21 Dynamic Screener is available for administration throughout the year to accommodate new students as they enroll. In contrast, the ELPA21 Summative assessment is administered once a year during a specific testing window, typically in the late winter or spring.

A technology readiness check ensures testing devices and network connections meet ELPA21 system requirements before the official test window opens.

PLDs describe what ELLs can do with language—observable, measurable behaviors across domains at each proficiency level.