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.
January 30, 2024 - March 15, 2024
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)
Alt ELPA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Alt ELPA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual
Alt ELPA Sample Student Report
Parent Guide to Alt ELPA Student Reports (multi-language)
Alt ELPA Eligibility Determination
Alt ELPA Observation Protocol Form
Alt ELPA - Alternate English Language Learning Assessment Project
Alternate English Language Learning Assessment Project Flyer - 9-28-17
- 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)
Brief No. 1: Establishing a Definition of 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)
- Friday Focus Webinar - Kindergarten Entry Assessment (November 2023)
- CAAELP-Alt ELPA Pre Administration Tasks (PPT)
- Findings (SCASS, October 16, 2018)
- Meeting ESSA Regulation Requirements and Supporting Students on Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments (PDF) (NCSA, San Diego, Wednesday, June 27, 2018)
- What Do We Know about Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Who Are English Learners? (PDF) (NCSA, San Diego, Thursday, June 28, 2018)
- Implementing ESSA for English Learners with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: Lessons We Are Learning (PDF) (NCSA, San Diego, Thursday, June 28, 2018)