ELPA21
English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA21)
ELPA21 is the short name for the English Language Proficiency Assessment developed and used by the Oregon Department of Education to measure the proficiency in non-native English speakers as they progress through English Language Development (ELD) services.
What does the ELPA measure?
The ELPA has separate measures for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Scores are reported in each of these as well as in comprehension (based on the scores on the reading and listening tests) and a combined score as required by Title III of NCLB. The measures address Oregon’s English language proficiency construct as defined in the Oregon English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) Word document document.
How is the ELPA administered?
The ELPA is a web-based assessment administered for individual students on a computer using a common browser interface.
Do all ELL students take the same ELPA?
While the format for the ELPA is the same at all grade levels and includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections, the test has different forms for five grade ranges: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Why do K-1, 2-3 ELL students need to take the ELPA?
Federal law, NCLB Titles I and III require that ODE assess the language proficiency of all K-12 ELL students. The U.S. Department of Education has required that new English proficiency tests developed under federal grants, such as ELPA, be in place by spring of 2006.
Where do I find the current Test Administration Manual?
The Test Administration Manual is located on the ODE web site at: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/ELPA_Screener_Administration_Manual.pdf.
Where can I find the performance standards for the content areas?
The standards for all content areas, for career related learning, and for English language proficiency are available online in a searchable database at http://ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/standards/.
10 ELP Standards (w/ translations in multiple languages)
How do I order headsets for ELPA21
The ELPA Headset order form is no longer being used. Please contact Research and Evaluation for ELPA headsets. Call 503-916-3341 or email testinghelp@pps.net.
ELPA21 Performance Standards (Cut Scores)