RCSD Assessment
New YOrk State English as a Second language achievement test
The NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test) is the annual English language assessment used to determine if an ELL continues to be limited English proficient, based upon such student scoring at a state designated level of English proficiency on the NYSESLAT (CR Part 154.2) (c). The NYSESLAT has six grade band levels: K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. It consists of Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing sub-tests that are aligned with the NYS Learning Standards for English as a Second Language.
The NYSESLAT is a mandated test for all ELLs. Every ELL must take the NYSESLAT until she/he has reached the level of Commanding, which will allow her/him to exit a bilingual education or ENL program. The NYSESLAT is administered only in April-May of each year. The NYSESLAT is a secure test.
(source : http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/english-language-learnermultilingual-learner-assessment-testing-accommodations)For more information on NYSESLAT use the embedded links.
Testing accomodations for ells
Schools may provide testing accommodations to ELLs, as needed, on all NYS ELA and content-area assessments (i.e., Mathematics, Science and Social Studies). Districts/schools must make all necessary arrangements to make these accommodations available for ELLs who need them. A list of NYS approved accommodations are found in the School Administrator's Manual (SAM) for each respective test.
Testing Accommodations for ELLs on NYS ELA and Content-area assessments include:
Time Extension (all exams, state and local). On Regents Examinations, next-day completion of testing is allowed when a student has been scheduled for two or more exams on the same day.
Separate Location (all exams, state and local)
Bilingual Glossaries – To access content specific glossaries, use the link: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/metrocenter/resources/glossaries
Simultaneous use of English and Alternative Language Editions (except for English Language Arts assessments)
Oral Translations for Low Incidence Languages (except for English Language Arts assessments)
Written responses in home language (except for English Language Arts assessments)
additional guidelines
ELLs exemption from NYS Regents Examinations
A high school principal may grant exemptions to new entrants from another country or from another State on selected Regents Examinations for students who are initially placed in grades 11 or 12. This exemption includes all transfer students initially placed in 11th or 12th grade, and includes monolingual students as well as ELLs.
Test Accommodations for Commanding/Former ELLs
Commanding level students, or Former ELLs, receive accommodations for two additional years after achieving proficiency on the NYSESLAT. This limited two-year extension in testing accommodations will provide Commanding level ELLs an opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge by leveling the playing field while they continue to develop their linguistic and academic skills. These testing accommodations will not affect the validity or reliability of the required state assessments nor will they change the academic level or the expected performance criteria of such assessments. The New York State Board of Regents states that ELLs and Commanding /Former ELLs are entitled to these ELL testing accommodations as per CR Part 154 Regulations. District staff should make all necessary arrangements in providing these accommodations during all state exams.
(Source: http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/english-language-learnermultilingual-learner-assessment-testing-accommodations)