M1: Identifying ELLs - Determining Proficiency Levels

In Texas, the primary tool used to evaluate a student's language is called the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS). The TELPAS provides 5 ratings, a rating for each of the language domains separately and a composite rating, which provides an overall rating of language proficiency:

Other assessments and information included in the LPAC's decision include:

  • STARR
  • Oral Language Proficiency Tests (OLPT) given upon identification and annually (recently Texas mandated use of the PreLAS or LASLinks as the OLPT to be used) Link Links to an external site.
  • Teacher assigned grades and other classroom performance measures

While a teacher or other designated person will conduct the language assessment, an essential part of the LPAC's responsibilities is to examine all the available information to determine a students language proficiency and make an appropriate placement decision.

C&I's very own Dr. Minda Lopez created a table using the TELPAS training for teachers and additional resources to help teachers identify and understand the language proficiency levels of their ELs. She has given permission to share that document with you here. Download Click here to access the document that she calls "a cheat sheet for proficiency levels.