Announcement of the Single, Statewide Assessment for Identification of English Learners, Effective 2019-2020 School Year
DATE: | May 23, 2019 |
SUBJECT: | Announcement of the Single, Statewide Assessment for Identification of English Learners, Effective 2019-2020 School Year |
CATEGORY: | Required English Learner Programs |
NEXT STEPS: | Share with appropriate staff responsible for ordering EL assessments |
Pursuant to Texas Education Code Section 29.056(a)(2)-(3), 19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1226, Testing and Classification of Students, effective beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, requires Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to administer the single, state-approved English language proficiency test to all students with a language other than English indicated on the home language survey for the purpose of identification as an English learner (EL). LEAs will no longer select from the Commissioner’s List of Approved Tests under this new requirement.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding an EL proficiency test on January 24, 2019, and responses were due on February 14, 2019. TEA determined that the best value offered to the state is the Pre-LAS and LAS assessments developed by Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). Effective beginning on the first day of the 2019-2020 school year, each LEA in Texas shall use only the Pre-LAS and/or LAS assessments for the purposes of identifying English learners.
Each LEA is responsible for payment for these assessments and must pay DRC directly. Payment by participating LEAs will be made upon satisfactory performance of services, receipt of specified deliverables and receipt of properly prepared invoices and supporting documentation, as specified per an executed agreement between the participating LEA and DRC. Pre-LAS and LAS assessments will replace assessments formerly listed annually on the TEA List of Approved Tests. Only Pre-LAS and LAS are allowable tests for the purpose of identifying English learners in the State of Texas. Local and/or Bilingual Education Allotment funds may be used to purchase these tests. Federal funds (Title III, Part A) may not be used to purchase Pre-LAS or LAS tests.
To expedite the process for ordering LAS Battery tests and accessing test administrator training, please review and share the Important DRC Information and Next Steps document with appropriate staff.
Additionally, it is very important to provide DRC with your LEA point of contact information by the requested date noted in the Important Next Steps document.
If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact Dr. Barbara Kennedy, Director of English Learner Support, at (512) 463-9414.