ELPA21 at a Glance: Helping English Learners Succeed Nationwide

ELPA21 (English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century) is an English language proficiency assessment system designed to improve outcomes for English Learners (ELs) and support states in meeting federal requirements. Housed at UCLA’s CRESST since 2017, ELPA21 is dedicated to providing valid, reliable measures of EL students’ progress toward English language proficiency through four cutting-edge assessments grounded in 10 ELP standards. The ELP Standards provide a framework for English learners to acquire the content knowledge and English proficiency needed for school success. These standards align with states’ college- and career-ready standards and reflect a shift in focus from language possession to language use within the content areas. ELPA21 serves as a trusted partner for states nationwide, combining expertise in assessment development, language acquisition, and instructional support to advance the educational success of English learners. 

• ELPA21 has developed four assessments for ELs: the Dynamic Screener (for initial identification of English learners), the Summative Assessment (to measure annual English language proficiency), and the Alt ELPA Screener and Alt ELPA Summative Assessment — the first assessments of their kind explicitly designed for ELs with the most significant cognitive disabilities. ELPA21 also provides a comprehensive suite of professional learning opportunities to K–12 educators nationwide, helping them effectively use and implement student assessment results. Together, these components ensure educators meet the diverse needs of EL students in the classroom, with the ultimate goal of fostering meaningful language development and academic success. 

• ELPA21 consists of member states collaborating through a Governing Board, advisory committees, task forces, and work groups to enhance the assessment system and its components, including assessment items, scoring, and professional learning. Serving students and educators nationwide, the ELPA21 member states are Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and West Virginia – with Arizona and Connecticut administering only the Alt ELPA. States play a vital role in shaping ELPA21, contributing to system improvements, and ensuring the assessments align with their unique educational priorities. 

• ​​ELPA21 is committed to advancing English language proficiency assessments through rigorous, high-quality research. The Research and Psychometrics Team applies systematic, evidence-based methods to ensure the assessments are accurate, reliable, and continually improving. ​ The team’s most recent projects include developing stopping rules, AI scoring applications, and a more streamlined testing experience that maintains accuracy while reducing student fatigue. In partnership with CRESST, ELPA21 is driving innovation in English language proficiency evaluation, maintaining its commitment to excellence and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.