Assessments Used in U.S. Schools to Identify English Learners
When students speak a language other than English at home, schools use an ESL screener to determine their English proficiency and eligibility for English learner (EL) support. These assessments evaluate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Here are the most commonly used screeners and what you need to know about them:
📌 WIDA Screener
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 in WIDA states
Purpose: Determines if a student qualifies for EL services
Format: Available online or on paper
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Students in grades 1–12 take all four sections (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).
✅ Kindergarteners usually take a simplified version, focusing on listening and speaking.
✅ Scores help decide if EL support is needed and at what level.
📌 WIDA MODEL
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 (often in private or charter schools)
Purpose: An alternative or additional measure of English proficiency
Format: Available online or on paper
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Some schools use this as an on-demand screener throughout the year.
✅ Can also be used for monitoring progress, not just for classification.
📌 K W-APT (Kindergarten WIDA ACCESS Placement Test)
Who Takes It? Kindergarteners in WIDA states
Purpose: Identifies young English learners
Format: Paper-based
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Focuses mainly on listening and speaking but may include pre-literacy skills.
✅ Helps determine if a Kindergartener needs EL services early on.
Find more information at wida.us to learn more about the WIDA screened Module, and W-APT tests.
📌 LAS Links Placement Test
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 (used in some states)
Purpose: Measures English proficiency for EL placement
Format: Online or paper-based
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Measures oral, reading, and writing skills to determine a student’s language level.
✅ Used in Connecticut, Oregon, and other states as an alternative to WIDA.
📌 TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) Screener
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 in Texas
Purpose: Identifies English learners and tracks progress
Format: Online (Listening, Reading, Writing), Teacher-rated (Speaking for some grades)
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Required in Texas public schools to determine EL status.
✅ Scores affect instruction and support services.
📌 ELPA21 Screener
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 in ELPA21 states (Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio, etc.)
Purpose: Identifies English learners and assigns proficiency levels
Format: Online
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Measures how well a student can use English in school settings.
✅ Students are classified into proficiency levels that determine their support needs.
📌 IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT)
Who Takes It? Students in grades K–12 (used in some districts)
Purpose: Assesses English oral, reading, and writing skills
Format: Online or paper-based
Parent & Student Insight:
✅ Some schools use this as a reassessment tool for English learners.
✅ Can also be used for students learning Spanish as a home language.
Related Posts: How are English learners Identified?
These screeners help schools provide the right level of support for English learners. Have questions? Let’s discuss it! #EnglishLearners #LanguageScreeners #BilingualEducation