Update on the ELPA 21 Annual Assessment Window

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 03/11/2021 10:44 AM PST

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ELPA 21 Annual Assessment Window

The United States Department of Education (USDE) recently issued guidance around English Language Proficiency (ELP) testing that we would like to share. They have clarified that all students who can safely take the ELPA21 Annual Assessment this year should do so. This guidance is firmly rooted in civil rights and confirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States and the Office of Civil Rights. The use of an objective measure to plan appropriate instruction and place students in meaningful learning contexts is well described, across these rulings, as a matter of equity.

Districts will need to administer the ELPA21 or WIDA Alternate ACCESS assessments under either of the following conditions:

If the district has coordinated with their local health authority, and the local school board has deemed it safe for students to return to school for instruction.
If families who choose to remain in remote learning opt to have their child assessed at a school site.

Because the federal requirement for ELP testing has not been waived this year, all students who can safely test should be given the opportunity to do so. The assessment window will begin on March 22, 2021 and has been extended through June 4, 2021 (OSPI is working in partnership with its vendors to determine if a further extension to the test window is possible and will communicate a final decision soon). For students who have not yet taken the ELPA Screener, such as those in Provisional Status or those who are newly enrolled, the ELPA21 Annual Assessment score may be used in place of the ELPA Screener if it can be administered within 30 days of the student returning for in-person services.

Click here to download this announcement and read frequently asked questions.

Contact Us

Shannon Martin – Supporting districts Aberdeen – Issaquah | Bilingual Education Program Supervisor | 360-725-4476

Sue Connolly – Supporting districts Kalama – Pullman | Bilingual Education Program Interim Director | 360-522-0001

Amy Ingram – Supporting districts Puyallup – Zillah | Bilingual Education Program Supervisor | 360-764-6201

Patty Finnegan, PhD – Dual language education support for all districts. | Assistant Director of Dual Language | 360-725-4468

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Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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