Disclaimer

This website was created during non-work hours using donated software, hardware and web hosting. It is intended for discussion, modification and eventual adoption by the Roseville Joint Union High School District (California). Until such process is completed, the opinions expressed on this website are the opinions of the author alone.

Assessment of English Learners

Overview

The English Language Development program serves all students in the Roseville Joint Union High School District who are found eligible for services.

State Testing Programs

All English learners are required to participate in the state testing programs

Test Name

Purpose

When administered

English Learners

California English Language Development Test (CELDT)

1. Initial identification of English Learners

2. Assess English Learners annually for progress learning English.

1. In the official testing window of July 1 through October 31.

2. Within 30 days of enrolling if the student meets the requirements for testing based on the Home Language survey

Only for English Learners

California Standards Test (CST)

Multiple subject area tests in English, Math, Science and Social Studies

Given in the Spring.

All English Learners take the CST exams. English Learners who have been redesignated count as English Learners for accountability issues until they have scored "Proficient" on the CST for English Language Arts at least 3 times.

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

Two part exam

1. Math

2. English

All students must score at least 350 on both pats in order to graduate from high school.

Given in 10th grade in February or March. Administered three times per year for students who haven't passed in 11th and 12th grades.

English Learners are held to the same standard as all other students.

Details about the California English Language Development Test

The California English Language Development Test (CELDT) is a state-mandated test for all English Learners. It is given during the testing window of July 1 through October 31. The tests are sent to a state contractor for assessment, though districts are allowed to assess them in-house for an unofficial score.

The test consists of four parts: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking. The tests may be administered in groups, with the speaking part always administered individually.

The CELDT is used for placing individuals in classes and for monitoring progress. It is administered to all students in California public schools who meet either the following requirements:

 

a)

The students is potentially considered an English Learner by virtue of the family's responses to the four questions on the Home Language Survey. (Potential English Learners)

b)

The student has previously been identified as an English Learner by the state of California. (Identified English Learners.)

The test is determine the level of the student's English language development. Once the school knows a students' CELDT level, we can also determine the best program for the student.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CELDT

Question

Response for Potential English Learners

Response for Identified English Learners

Who decides if the student must take the test?

The State of California requires public schools all students who are potential English Learners based on the family's answers to the four questions on the Home Language Survey.

The State of California requires public school all students who are potential English Learners based on the family's answers to the four questions on the Home Language Survey.

Can the student test out of the program?

Yes. By scoring high enough the first time the student takes the test, he/she can be designated "IFEP - Initial Fluent English Proficient".

CELDT Guidelines available at California guidelines for reclassification.

Yes. Students who are already identified as English Learners can test out of the program by meeting the state and district requirements to be redesignated.

California guidelines for reclassification

See Roseville Joint Union High School Redesignation Criteria.

When is the CELDT given?

Within 30 days of enrolling in a California public school.

Within 30 days of the start of the school year.

Why is the Roseville district testing in the summer?

The test usually takes 2 and a half hours to administer. We are testing in the summer in order to minimize the time students miss class.

The test usually takes 2 and a half hours to administer. We are testing in the summer in order to minimize the time students miss class.

What if the student misses the summer testing window?

The student will be tested during class time.

The student will be tested during class time.

The state contractor for the test returns official results in January. The district then mails home the results to the parents along with an interpretation guide.

Sources

California Department of Education. California English Language Development Test (CELDT) 2009. Accessed at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/el/ 14 December 2009

California English Language Development Test.(2009). Educational Testing Service. http://www.celdt.org (accessed December 14, 2009)

California Department of Education. English Learner Instrument (Including NCLB) . 2011. Accessed at www.cde.ca.gov/ta/cr/documents/el201011c.doc on 14 October 2011

Collier, V.P. (1995). Acquiring a second language for school. Directions in Language and Education, Volume 1, Number 4, Fall 1995. Washington, DC: National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA). http://www.thomasandcollier.com/Research%20Links.htm (accessed December 14, 2009)