English Language Proficiency Assessments

OSPI’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment program oversees and manages all ELP assessments in Washington. This includes both ELP placement assessments and ELP annual assessments.  

Washington utilizes the WIDA Consortium suite of assessments, which are based on the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) standards framework. Measuring the four language domains of listening, reading, speaking, and writing, the WIDA assessments fulfil federal requirements to screen students for potential ELD services and annually assess the English language proficiency of Multilingual Learners (MLs)

ELP Placement Assessment

Washington uses the WIDA Screener assessments as English Language Proficiency (ELP) placement tests. Students are administered the WIDA Screener when their Home Language Survey (HLS) indicates a language other than English on Questions 2 and 3 of the survey. Students must be screened within ten days of school attendance, and the screener results determine eligibility for English Language Development (ELD) services based on Washington’s entrance criteria.

ELP Annual Assessments

Washington uses the WIDA ACCESS assessments as English Language Proficiency (ELP) annual tests. All Multilingual Learners (ML) who receive English Language Development (ELD) services must take these assessments each winter. These annual assessments measure English language proficiency in the four language domains of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Results from this test determine eligibility for continued ELD services. 

ELP Assessment Timeline in Washington