NYSESLAT NYSESLAT Exit Criteria and Reclassification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Commissioner's Regulation (CR) Part governs the identification, placement, and reclassification of English Language Learners in New York State?
- CR Part 117
- CR Part 154 (Correct answer)
- CR Part 200
- CR Part 100
Correct answer: CR Part 154
Commissioner's Regulations Part 154 (CR Part 154) is the primary New York State regulation that governs ELL identification, instructional services, and reclassification procedures including NYSESLAT use.
Question 2: When a student is officially reclassified and exits ELL status, what immediately changes regarding their mandated services?
- Services continue at the same frequency indefinitely
- Services are transferred to special education
- Mandated ELL instructional services end, though optional support may continue (Correct answer)
- Services increase for a transition period
Correct answer: Mandated ELL instructional services end, though optional support may continue
Upon reclassification, students are no longer entitled to mandated ELL services under CR Part 154, though schools may provide optional transitional support at their discretion.
Question 3: Which additional data, beyond NYSESLAT scores, may be considered when determining a student's readiness for reclassification?
- SAT or ACT scores
- Teacher recommendations and academic performance data (Correct answer)
- Physical fitness assessment results
- Attendance records alone
Correct answer: Teacher recommendations and academic performance data
While the NYSESLAT score is the primary criterion, teacher recommendations and overall academic performance data can inform the reclassification determination as a holistic measure of readiness.
Question 4: If a student scores at the Commanding level on NYSESLAT but their parent declines reclassification, what is the outcome?
- The district overrides the parent's decision after 30 days
- The student remains classified as an ELL and continues receiving services (Correct answer)
- The student enters a transitional language program
- The student must retake the NYSESLAT within 60 days
Correct answer: The student remains classified as an ELL and continues receiving services
Parental consent is respected under CR Part 154; if a parent declines reclassification, the student retains ELL status and continues to receive all mandated ELL instructional services.
Question 5: Newcomer ELL students enrolled for less than 12 months typically score at which NYSESLAT proficiency levels on their initial assessment?
- Commanding or Expanding
- Expanding or Transitioning
- Entering or Emerging (Correct answer)
- Transitioning or Commanding
Correct answer: Entering or Emerging
Newcomer ELLs who are new to English typically score at the Entering or Emerging levels, which reflect beginning stages of English language acquisition.
Question 6: What type of documentation must schools provide to parents when recommending a student for reclassification from ELL status?
- Only a verbal notification during a parent-teacher conference
- Written notification explaining the reclassification process and parental rights (Correct answer)
- A copy of the student's complete school record going back three years
- Only the standardized state form mailed by NYSED directly
Correct answer: Written notification explaining the reclassification process and parental rights
Schools are required to provide written notification to parents that explains the reclassification recommendation, the process involved, and the parents' right to consent or decline.
Question 7: Under NYSESLAT policy, which students are required to take the NYSESLAT each spring?
- All students enrolled in New York public schools
- Only students who recently immigrated to the United States
- Students currently identified and classified as English Language Learners (Correct answer)
- Students who scored below grade level on the state ELA exam
Correct answer: Students currently identified and classified as English Language Learners
The NYSESLAT is specifically mandated for students who have been formally identified as English Language Learners; it is not a general assessment administered to all students.
NYSESLAT NYSESLAT Exit Criteria and Reclassification 2
Which Commissioner's Regulation (CR) Part governs the identification, placement, and reclassification of English Language Learners in New York State?