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  • Alt ELPA

Alt ELPA

The Alt ELPA is an alternate English language proficiency assessment designed for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The assessment was developed under a federal grant with partners from the Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) at UCLA and nine other states.

Students must be determined eligible for alternate assessment by the IEP team. More information on eligibility determination is available on the MSAA website. Eligible students in Grades K-12 will take the reassessment in late winter.

The Alt ELPA takes into consideration the diverse communication experiences of English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The alternate ELP standards support these students as they learn critical English language knowledge, skills, and communicative competence. Guided by these standards, the Alt ELPA equips educators to support students in gaining English proficiency and ultimately becoming college- and career-ready. 

Information and updates related to the Alt ELPA summative assessment will be available on the ELPA21 website.


Registering Students (Alt ELPA Screener)

ADE uploads all eligible students directly into TIDE. District Test Coordinators will email the Alternate Assessment Team with the students' SSID number for the request. Students must have been determined by the IEP team to be eligible for alternate assessments and require an English Language Proficiency placement test (screener) based on the responses on the Home Language Survey or missing English language proficiency test. 

Alt ELPA Screener 

August 1 - May 9, 2025


Alt ELPA Summative

January 27, 2025 - March 14, 2025

2024-25 Alt ELPA Screener Test Administration Manual


2024-25 Alternate Assessment DTC Handbook

  • 2024-25 Arizona State Specific Policy Guidance for Alternate Assessment
  • Alt ELPA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual

 

Information and updates related to the Alt ELPA summative assessment will be available on the ELPA21 website.

  • OELAS and Assessment Joint Communication Memo regarding Alt ELPA (November 2023)

Cambium Portal

TIDE Training Modules for Alt ELPA and Alt ELPA Screener​​​

Alt ELPA Sample Student Report

Parent Guide to Alt ELPA Student Reports (multi-language)

Educators Quick Guide to Understanding Score Reports

  • Alt ELPA Eligibility Determination
  • Alt ELPA Observation Form (Microsoft Forms)
  • Alt ELPA Protocol Form
  • Alt ELPA Observation Form (printable copy for personal use)
  • Theory of Action
  • Alt ELPA - Alternate English Language Learning Assessment Project

  • Understanding Alt ELPA Student Reports- A Quick Guide for Educators
  • Characteristics of English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: Findings from the Individual Characteristics Questionnaire (PDF
  • Classroom Perspectives on English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)
  • Developing a Request for Proposals for an Alternate Assessment of English Language Proficiency (PDF)
  • Developing Item Templates for Alternate Assessments of English Language Proficiency (PDF)
  • Standards Prioritization Process Evaluation (PDF)
  • ELP Standards for English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Brief No. 1: Establishing a Definition of English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Brief No. 2: Considerations for Educators Serving English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Brief No. 3: Nonverbal Communication in Diverse Classrooms: Intercultural Competence Considerations for Supporting English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Brief No. 4: Individualized Education Programs for English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Brief No. 5: A Framework for Understanding English Learners with Disabilities: Triple the Work (PDF)

Brief No. 6: Case Examples of English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (PDF)

Alt ELPA Test Questions Brief

Friday Focus Webinar - Alt ELPA (January 10, 2025)

Chrome Updates for Alt ELPA PPT

Alt ELPA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Alt ELPA Parent Guide to Student Reports

  • Parent Glossary - English
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