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General Testing FAQs
What are the grade spans of the LAS Links assessments?
What are the grade spans of the LAS Links assessments?
There are 5 grade spans of LAS Links: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12. In Texas, LAS Links, for the purpose of English learner identification starts at 1st grade. preK4, preK5 and Kindergarten students take preLAS for this purpose.
What domains are tested with LAS Links?
What domains are tested with LAS Links?
In Texas:
1st Grade: Speaking and Listening
2nd - 12th Grade: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing
Are all domains individually administered?
Are all domains individually administered?
For the paper version of the test, only Speaking is individually administered. Listening, Reading and Writing may be group administered.
Do we need to administer the domains in a particular order?
Do we need to administer the domains in a particular order?
You may administer the test in any order.
Does a student have to finish all 4 domains in one day?
Does a student have to finish all 4 domains in one day?
No. You are able to administer the 4 domains on different days if needed. One recommendation is to finish the domain started in the same sitting but this is not required.
Are we allowed to give the student the test directions in Spanish?
Are we allowed to give the student the test directions in Spanish?
No. The entire test should be administered in the language of the test.
Where do I find the scoring/answer key for Listening, Reading and Writing?
Where do I find the scoring/answer key for Listening, Reading and Writing?
Answer keys are found in the LAS Links Interpretation Guide.
Where do I tabulate student scores?
Where do I tabulate student scores?
You are to utilize a Student Profile Sheet along with the conversion tables found in the LAS Links Interpretation Guide to determine and document student test performance.
Are the paper test items different than the online test items?
Are the paper test items different than the online test items?
No, the items presented in the online and paper versions of the test are the same.
How long is the test?
How long is the test?
Speaking = 10-15 minutes
Listening = 15 - 20 minutes
Reading = 35 - 45 minutes
Writing = 35 - 45 minutes
All times are actual testing time and do not include housekeeping items such as filling out student identifying information.
Can a Test Administrator not test and/or stop the test due to insufficient language?
Can a Test Administrator not test and/or stop the test due to insufficient language?
Per the TEA:
Students must be given the opportunity to attempt all assigned subtests per the requirements set forth for the purpose of the identification of English learners.
At no time, can a student be labeled “unable to test due to language” without being allowed to attempt each subtest they are assigned.
For each subtest, trained test administrators must give students as much time as they need, as long as they are working on the test.
f, after a reasonable amount of time, a student appears to not be actively engaged in the subtest they are being presented, a trained test administrator may use his/her professional discretion and may stop the subtest and move the student on to the next subtest.
Stopping the test must be documented and provided to the LPAC for consideration.
Are we allowed to provide accommodations?
Are we allowed to provide accommodations?
Per the TEA, accommodations are only allowed when/if the accommodation is listed on the student's IEP.
Do we test, and how do we test, Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students for the purpose of English learner identification?
Do we test, and how do we test, Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students for the purpose of English learner identification?
TEA provides guidance for DHH students at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUTjNll33go&feature=youtu.be
Do we test, and how do we test, students who are visually impaired for the purpose of English learner identification?
Please find guidance at this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jnj3oQcJpVcF7fEbZLpNVFSW4fjp4xH/view?usp=sharing
Administering the Speaking Test
How many times do I prompt the student?
How many times do I prompt the student?
You may prompt the student no more than two times.
How long do I wait for the student to respond?
How long do I wait for the student to respond?
You should wait 3-5 seconds before prompting the student a second time. Then wait another 3-5 seconds and move on to the next question.
How do I score the holistic items in Speak in Sentences, Make Conversation and Tell a Story?
How do I score the holistic items in Speak in Sentences, Make Conversation and Tell a Story?
Scoring guidance may be found in the corresponding Examiner's Guide as well as the Professional Development section of www.LASLinks.com/Texas
How do I know what responses are correct for Speak in Words?
How do I know what responses are correct for Speak in Words?
A list of acceptable responses are found in the corresponding Examiner's Manual.
Administering the Listening Test
Are we allowed to play the listening prompt more than once?
Are we allowed to play the listening prompt more than once?
No. Listening is by design a one time prompt therefore the prompt may not be repeated.
Do we have to use the audio file for Listening or may we read the prompt(s)?
Do we have to use the audio file for Listening or may we read the prompt(s)?
No, the audio file is optional but highly recommended.
Where are the audio files located?
Where are the audio files located?
With your testing kit, you received an audio CD. If you are unable to (or don't want to) use the CD, you may use the audio files provided in the INSIGHT portal: General Information > Documents > Assessment Resources
Administering the Reading Test
What grade levels must take the Reading Test?
What grade levels must take the Reading Test?
Grades 2-12
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
No, this defeats the purpose of the test. Please be sure to follow the test directions found in the Examiner's Manual.
Administering the Writing Test
What grade levels must take the Writing Test?
What grade levels must take the Writing Test?
Grades 2-12
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
No, this defeats the purpose of the test. Please be sure to follow the test directions found in the Examiner's Manual.
How do I score the holistic items in Write About, Write Why and Write in Detail?
How do I score the holistic items in Write About, Write Why and Write in Detail?
Scoring guidance may be found in the corresponding Examiner's Guide as well as the Professional Development section of www.LASLinks.com/Texas
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