English Language Proficiency Assessments

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)

The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is designed to annually assess the English language proficiency of all English Language Learners (ELLs) enrolled in Grades K–12 in New York State schools. The test provides the State and schools with important information about the English language development of ELLs and is part of the State’s compliance with federal laws that mandate the annual assessment and monitoring of the English language proficiency of all ELLs. The results of the NYSESLAT will determine the levels of service ELLs will receive in Bilingual Education and English as a New Language programs for the school year as prescribed in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154-2 and 154-3.

New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)

The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) serves as the State’s formal English language proficiency assessment in the process for initially identifying English Language Learners in New York State. All public and charter schools must follow the steps outlined in the initial and reentry processes prescribed by Commissioner’s Regulations (CR) Part 154-2.3 (d), which includes administering the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) and conducting an individual interview with students who have indicated on the HLQ that a language other than English is spoken at home. Information gathered from the HLQ and the individual interview should be assessed carefully to determine if the student is required to take the NYSITELL. Further guidance regarding the identification of ELLs can be found on NYSED's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) website.