ELPAC - English Language Proficiency Assessments for California ELPAC Administration Procedures Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While administering the Writing section of the computer-based ELPAC, a test examiner notices that several students seem confused by a prompt. To help them, the examiner rephrases the prompt using simpler vocabulary than what is written in the Directions for Administration (DFA). Why is this action procedurally incorrect?
- It introduces a testing variable that compromises the standardization and validity of the assessment. (Correct answer)
- It is only incorrect if the examiner provides examples of what to write.
- It is acceptable as long as the examiner makes a note of the change in the test log.
- It is only incorrect for the Reading domain, not the Writing domain.
Correct answer: It introduces a testing variable that compromises the standardization and validity of the assessment.
The ELPAC is a standardized test, which means it must be administered in the exact same way to all students to ensure that scores are comparable and valid. Deviating from the scripted Directions for Administration (DFA), even with good intentions, invalidates this standardization and introduces a variable that could affect student performance, thus compromising the integrity of the results.
Question 2: A student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies the 'read-aloud' accommodation for all classroom and state testing. When preparing for the ELPAC Reading domain, the test examiner reviews this requirement. Which of the following statements is the most accurate?
- The examiner should proceed with reading the passages aloud as the IEP is the guiding document.
- Reading the passages aloud would invalidate the construct of the Reading domain and is not a permissible accommodation for this specific domain. (Correct answer)
- The examiner should provide the student with a text-to-speech tool instead of reading aloud.
- The read-aloud accommodation is only permitted for the Writing and Listening domains without restriction.
Correct answer: Reading the passages aloud would invalidate the construct of the Reading domain and is not a permissible accommodation for this specific domain.
The purpose of the ELPAC Reading domain is to assess a student's ability to read and comprehend English text. Reading the passages aloud to the student would measure their listening comprehension, not their reading ability, thereby invalidating the construct of the assessment. This is not an allowable accommodation for the Reading domain.
Question 3: According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, and standard ELPAC security procedures, which of the following actions by a test examiner constitutes a testing security breach?
- Placing a 'Testing—Do Not Disturb' sign on the classroom door.
- Allowing students to use approved scratch paper on certain sections of the test.
- Using a personal smartphone as a timer while administering the Speaking domain. (Correct answer)
- Confirming that all instructional materials on the classroom walls have been removed or covered.
Correct answer: Using a personal smartphone as a timer while administering the Speaking domain.
Test examiners and proctors are strictly prohibited from using any personal electronic devices, including smartphones, during a testing session. Using a personal phone for any reason, including as a timer, is a security breach because it compromises the secure testing environment.
Question 4: A student has a temporary medical condition (e.g., a broken jaw) supported by a doctor's note, which makes it impossible for them to participate in the Speaking domain of the Summative ELPAC. What is the correct procedure for the site coordinator to follow?
- Administer the Speaking domain but score all items as 'No Response.'
- Postpone the student's entire ELPAC administration until the next school year.
- Request a medical exemption for the Speaking domain in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS), allowing an overall score to be calculated from the remaining domains. (Correct answer)
- Assign the student the average score of their grade level for the Speaking domain.
Correct answer: Request a medical exemption for the Speaking domain in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS), allowing an overall score to be calculated from the remaining domains.
The ELPAC has a specific procedure for students with a temporary or long-term medical condition that prevents them from taking a domain. The correct action is to request a medical exemption for the specific domain in TOMS. If approved, the student's overall score will be calculated based on the completed domains.
Question 5: Which of the following is a primary requirement for an individual to be authorized to administer any of the ELPAC assessments?
- They must hold a full California teaching credential with an English Learner authorization.
- They must be an employee or contractor of the local educational agency (LEA) who has completed the required annual training and signed a Test Security Affidavit. (Correct answer)
- They must be a district administrator who has been employed by the LEA for at least three years.
- They must be a parent volunteer who has passed a background check and is supervised by a teacher.
Correct answer: They must be an employee or contractor of the local educational agency (LEA) who has completed the required annual training and signed a Test Security Affidavit.
The California Code of Regulations requires that all test examiners be employed by the LEA (or be a contractor), participate in annual training for the specific ELPAC assessment they will administer, and sign a Test Security Affidavit.
Question 6: When setting up the physical environment for a group administration of the computer-based ELPAC, which of the following is a critical procedural step?
- Allowing students to choose their own seats to increase comfort.
- Playing quiet instrumental music to help students focus.
- Verifying that the required secure browser is installed and functioning correctly on all student testing devices. (Correct answer)
- Ensuring students have access to their classroom dictionaries and thesauruses.
Correct answer: Verifying that the required secure browser is installed and functioning correctly on all student testing devices.
A fundamental technical and security requirement for the computer-based ELPAC is the use of a secure browser. This software prevents students from accessing other applications, websites, or tools on the computer during the test. The test examiner must confirm it is properly installed and working before the session begins.
ELPAC - English Language Proficiency Assessments for California ELPAC Administration Procedures Questions and Answers 1
While administering the Writing section of the computer-based ELPAC, a test examiner notices that several students seem confused by a prompt.
To help them, the examiner rephrases the prompt using simpler vocabulary than what is written in the Directions for Administration (DFA).
Why is this action procedurally incorrect?