A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

May 5, 2011

SUBJECT:    2011 List of Approved Tests for Assessment of Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students

 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has completed the annual review of approved tests for use during the 2011-2012 school year in the identification of students of limited English proficiency as well as entry/exit from bilingual education and special language programs, in accordance with 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1225(d) relating to Testing and Classification of Students:

 

(d) The grade levels and the scores on each test which shall identify a student as limited English proficient shall be established by TEA. The commissioner of education shall review the approved list of tests, grade levels, and scores annually and update the list.

 

The 2011-2012 List of Approved Tests for Assessment of LEP Students can be accessed from the TEA web site under the title “Documents” which follows the “Related Links” section at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=4098&menu_id=720.

 

The document includes a list of the test publishers and contact information.

 

The testing instruments are grouped in the following categories:

 

·          Oral Language Proficiency Tests in English: shall be used for identification of LEP students in grades PreK-12 and for exit in grades 1-12.

 

·          Oral Language Proficiency Tests in Spanish: shall be used for identification of LEP students in grades where bilingual education is offered.

 

·          Reading Proficiency Tests in English: may be used for placement or to show progress in English reading.

 

·          Writing Proficiency Tests in English: may be used in grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 for exit if the Writing TAKS is not available and TELPAS Writing score at Advanced High is not used.

 

·          Reading and Writing Proficiency Tests in Spanish: may be used for placement or to show progress in Spanish reading and writing.

 

·          Standardized Achievement Tests in English: shall be used for identification of LEP students in grades 2-12. These tests should only be used for those students for whom the test is a valid measure [19 TAC §89.1225(b)(f) and 19 TAC §89.1225(2)(C)] and for exit in grades 1-2.

 

·          Standardized Achievement Tests in Spanish: may be used for formative assessments or for identification of LEP students in grades where bilingual education is offered.

 

·          Ability Tests for Gifted/Talented (G/T): may be used for identification of LEP students who are identified as G/T. (Districts may find that these are the most appropriate assessments for identifying students for both LEP and G/T services.)

 

Additional Bilingual/ESL program information and requirements are available on the TEA Bilingual/ESL Education webpage at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=4098&menu_id=720.

 

If you have questions, please contact Susie Coultress, Director of Bilingual/ESL Education in the Curriculum Division, at (512) 463-9581.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anita Givens

Associate Commissioner

Standards and Programs