Assessment/Accountability Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
MEPA
(Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment)

Background:

Federal and state laws require that English language learner (ELL) students be assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, English, as well as the progress they are making in learning English. In keeping with these laws, ELL students must participate in the Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment (MEPA), which consists of two assessments:

Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment-R/W (MEPA-R/W) assesses ELL students' proficiency in reading and writing at grades K-12.

Massachusetts English Language Assessment-Oral (MELA-O) assesses ELL students' proficiency in listening (comprehension) and speaking (production) at grades K-12.

• View the English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes (ELPBO) requirements, which are the academic learning standards on which these tests are based.

• Read guidance documents on using MEPA results for instruction and access performance level descriptors.

• Access student participation requirements for MCAS and MEPA, including participation requirements for ELL students with disabilities.

• Access MEPA test administration resources, including MEPA-R/W manuals and lists of staff qualified to administer the MELA-O.

• Read reports of results and interpretive materials.