1. ELPA Administration

2. ELPA21: Online Testing
Beginning in February 2016, Washington’s new language proficiency test, the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21), will be administered to K-12 English language learners across the state. The test administration window is February 2 to March 11.
It is important to know that ELPA21 is an online test. The same online test engine that is used to deliver Smarter Balanced and MSP assessments at grades 3-8 and high school will be used to deliver ELPA21. AIR is the vendor.
This online test engine incorporates a multitude of embedded usability, accessibility, and accommodations features that were not possible with the previous paper/pencil English language test, the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment (WELPA).
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9/19/2018

3. Language Proficiency Measurement
The ELPA21 Assessment System measures and reports on proficiency of the English language overall, as well as in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension.
Two tests: a screener and a summative assessment. Both tests developed for each of six “grade bands” (K, 1, 2–3, 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12).
Screener (currently the WELPA Placement Test) administered to assess baseline English language proficiency of incoming ELL students and used to guide placement of each student. The ELPA21 screener is scheduled to launch summer of 2016.
Districts will continue to use the WELPA Placement Test as the screener for the SY. This will include May incoming Kinder testing. WELPA Placement Test orders are fulfilled through CTB (now DRC) at CTB.com. The ELPA21 screener is currently under development and will be operational for the SY.
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9/19/2018

4. ELPA21 Online Test Engine
The online test engine incorporates a multitude of embedded usability, accessibility, and accommodations features that were not possible with the previous paper/pencil English language test, the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment (WELPA). In addition, the test questions presented online are more engaging than test questions appearing on paper test booklets; this is especially important for English language learners.  
There is one portion of the ELPA21 Writing test for students in K and 1, which will be administered on paper. The K-1 paper writing materials will be secure materials.
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5. Enhanced Computer-Based Format
Computer-based testing provides an opportunity to move students and educators toward information and skills needed for college-&-career.
The assessment system will incorporate technology-enhanced items that allow students to indicate their responses in ways other than traditional item types (e.g., multiple choice).
Format includes item styles that are more interactive, especially for speaking and listening tests.
K and 1 Writing: In an effort to more accurately measure the basic writing skills of our youngest ELLs, students in kindergarten and first grade will be provided with a paper-and-pencil test booklet for a small portion of the writing test. This will allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to write and trace letters, and perform other writing tasks typical of early writers. Districts will receive booklets for each of the kindergarten and first grade students and will receive detailed directions about how to assign, collect and mail the booklets.
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7. ELPA21 IMPORTANT DATES Annual Assessment February 2 - March 11
Washington State ELPA21 Planned Summative (Annual) Assessment Window
Practice Test available in January.
Webinar Updates
ELPA21 webinars each month to prepare for the operational administration in SY –16. AIR will also conduct test administration specific training webinars. Dates TBD.
9/19/2018
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8. Approximate Test Times
Grade Bands: K, 1, 2–3, 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
Four Domains: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
Estimated ELPA21 Annual test times are based on feedback from the field test. These times may be modified. Actual times will vary dependent upon variables specific to your district. We suggest adding an additional minutes for test proctor activities.
Grade/Grade Band
Domain Times
Total
K and 1
20 Minutes
1 Hour and 20 Minutes
2-3
25 Minutes
1 Hour and 40 Minutes
4-5
6-8
30 Minutes
2 Hours
9-12

9. Scheduling and Technology
The number of ELL students needing to take ELPA21 is relatively small, compared with Smarter Balanced. This smaller number should help in the scheduling of the technology needed to administer the tests between February 2 and March 11.
The five week ELPA21 testing window closes at about the time that Smarter Balanced testing begins, so overlap and competition for technology resources should be minimal.
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9/19/2018

10. Scheduling and Technology Continued…
In order to estimate the time and technology needed to administer ELAP21 in your school or district, we ran a few examples, as listed in the table below.
Students
Computers
Computer hours needed per day
Average test length in hours
Approximate days to administer 10 5 2
1.75
2 days 15
3 days 25
5 days
100
18 days
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9/19/2018

11. Scheduling and Technology Continued…
To confirm that you have the technology to administer ELPA21, you will need to:
Calculate student/test hours = students testing x length of test
Calculate computer availability hours = number of computers x numbers of hours per day those computers are available
Calculate number of days needed to test = (student test hours)/(computer availability hours)
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9/19/2018

12. Supported Operating Systems
AIR has confirmed that we will be supporting the following operating systems for ELPA21.  Please note that systems in red are currently being updated for support and have not yet been confirmed. Any updates will be sent to DACs as soon as they are available. DACs will also receive formal and updated specifications and technical support will be available through AIR.
Supported OS Versions:
Windows XP through Windows 10
- Reminder: this is the last year for XP support
- This includes NComputing support
- Working on confirming Windows Server 20XX support
Supported Browsers:
- Secure Browser 8.x
- Firefox 31+ (for practice tests only)
- Chrome 41+ (for practice tests only)
- Cannot confirm on Edge yet (would be for practice tests only)
Windows
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13. Supported Operating Systems Continued…
AIR has confirmed that we will be supporting the following operating systems for ELPA21.  Please note that systems in red are currently being updated for support and have not yet been confirmed. Any updates will be sent to DACs as soon as they are available.
OSX
Supported OS versions
-10.6 through 10.11
-Note: No support for 10.5 Intel
Supported Browsers
-Secure Browser 8.x
-Firefox 31+  (for practice tests only)
-Chrome 41+  (for practice tests only)
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9/19/2018

14. Supported Operating Systems Continued…
Any updates will be sent to DACs as soon as they are available.
Linux
Supported OS versions
- Same as all the other platforms
Supported Browsers
- Secure Browser 8.x
Firefox 31+
ChromeOS
Supported OS versions
- 41+
Supported Browsers
- AIRSecureTest Secure Browser
        Note: New version will be required that is not in the store yet
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
9/19/2018

15. Supported Operating Systems Continued…
iOS
Supported OS Versions
- iOS 7 and 8
- Most likely iOS 9 too if Apple gets their stuff together before the window opens
Supported Browsers
- AIRSecureTest Secure Browser (current version)
Android
- Android 4.3, 4.4 and 5.0
- Possibly 6.0
- AIRSecureTest Secure Browser (current version)
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9/19/2018

16. Non-Supported Operating Systems
Browsers that are supported for other assessments that cannot be supported for ELPA21: Safari on Ios and OSX Chrome on Linux Internet Explorer Reason: There are browser functions needed in order to capture audio from the microphone. These browsers cannot be accommodated until they adopt an API that will support the audio.
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17. Accessibility Supports
ELPA21 practice tests will be available in January. 
The ELPA21 Accessibility and Accommodations Manual is available now and has been posted to the WCAP-portal. It will also be available on the OSPI ELPA21 website. This manual will be used in support of the school year. Information from the ELPA21 manual is being embedded in the Washington Guidelines on Tools, Supports, & Accommodations manual that is being finalized in support of school year. 
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18. A Tiered Approach to ELPA21’s Accessibility and Accommodations Features
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19. Professional Development Modules
ELPA21 states and educators have partnered with Stanford University's Understanding Language Initiative  to create a suite of six professional development modules:
Module 1  - Introduction (posted) Module 2  - Task Analysis (posted) Module 3  - ELP Standards Module 4  - Performance Level Descriptors Module 5  - Formative Assessment Module 6 - Reflection
Modules 1 and 2 are currently available. Module 3 will be available early next week and can be found at
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20. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
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21. Where To Find More ELPA21 Information?
OSPI ELPA21 Link
ELPA21 Website
ELPA21 Newsletter
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22. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
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23. WELPA Placement Test Information and Training
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9/19/2018

24. ELPA21 Hardware and Headset Specifications
Headsets with microphones are required for the ELPA21 Assessment
ELPA21 Headset Specifications
Additional ELPA21 Headset Information
ELPA21 Hardware Specifications
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9/19/2018

25. Contact ELPA21@k12.wa.us Kim Hayes
 For more information  about ELPA21  in Washington state:
Kim Hayes
Washington ELPA21 Coordinator (360)
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9/19/2018

26. Thank You!
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