State Assessment
NYSESLAT
The NYSESLAT is an examination that is administered every year in the spring. It stands for New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test. The test assesses the student's English ability in speaking, reading, writing and listening. The students receive a proficiency level after taking the test. The five proficiency levels are: entering, emerging, transitioning, expanding and commanding. The English Language Learners continue taking the test every year until they score at the commanding level.
NYSITELL
The NYSITELL is an examination that is administered once to assess the English language proficiency level of new entrants whose home language (as indicated in the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) and the individual interview) is other than English. If a student receives a score of: Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, or Expanding the student is considered an ELL. If the student scores Commanding, the student is not an ELL.