Proficiency Level Descriptors Flashcards

How many proficiency levels are described in the ELPA21 Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs)?

Answer: 5 levels

ELPA21 uses five proficiency levels (1 through 5) to describe the continuum of English language development.

What do ELPA21 Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) primarily describe?

Answer: Observable language behaviors ELLs demonstrate at each proficiency level

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

Which grade-level clusters are used to organize ELPA21 Proficiency Level Descriptors?

Answer: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

ELPA21 organizes PLDs into four grade-band clusters: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

A student performing at ELPA21 Level 1 most likely demonstrates which characteristic?

Answer: Emerging English skills with heavy reliance on contextual and visual support

Level 1 is the beginning proficiency level where students have emerging English skills and require substantial visual and contextual support.

At ELPA21 Level 5, students are expected to demonstrate which language characteristic?

Answer: Performance approaching that of proficient English-speaking peers on grade-level content

Level 5 represents the highest proficiency, where students perform close to their English-proficient peers across academic contexts.

With which framework are ELPA21 Proficiency Level Descriptors primarily aligned?

Answer: ELPA21 English Language Proficiency Standards

ELPA21 PLDs are designed to align with the ELPA21 English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards that guide the consortium.

Why are ELPA21 PLDs important for classroom teachers working with ELL students?

Answer: They help teachers understand what language support ELLs need at each proficiency level

PLDs help teachers understand students' current language abilities and plan appropriate instruction, differentiation, and scaffolding.