Spring 2008 Reading and Writing Test Requirements for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students in Grades K-2
| To: | Superintendents and Principals of Title III Districts |
| Copy: | English Language Learner (ELL) Program Directors in Title III Districts |
| From: | Jeffrey Nellhaus, Acting Commissioner of Education |
| Date: | January 24, 2008 |
In order to meet the federal requirement to test LEP students in Kindergarten through grade 2 in reading and writing, the Department will require that LEP students in grades K-2 in Title III districts be tested in reading and writing using the IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT) in spring 2008, as they were last spring.Overview of the IPTThe IPT is a standardized assessment developed specifically for English language learners, which includes age-appropriate components for students in the lower grades. A small sample of questions from previous IPT tests will be posted on February 4 at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/mepa/testadmin/. IPT Test Shipment and Administration Information The Department will send the IPT test materials to schools in Title III districts, based on the number of students in grades K-2 reported to the Department as LEP in the October 2007 SIMS. Student labels (based on October 2007 SIMS reporting) and instructions for administering the tests and returning test materials will be included in this shipment. Schools will be instructed to test only those students for whom labels have been provided. Test materials are scheduled to arrive in schools on or about March 3, at the same time as the school's shipment of pre-ordered MEPA test materials, The testing window for the IPT will be March 3-19, 2008. Materials must be returned on or before Friday, March 21. IPT sessions are untimed, but the general guidelines for testing time are listed below: | Test | Testing Time Guidelines |
|---|
| K-1 Reading | 30-45 minutes
(small group administration - up to 5 students) | | K-1 Writing | 10-30 minutes
(small group administration - up to 5 students) | | Grade 2 Reading | 45-80 minutes
(large group administration) | | Grade 2 Writing | 25-60 minutes
(large group administration) |
I encourage you to share this information with your faculty and staff, particularly those involved in the instruction of LEP students. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Department's Student Assessment Office at 781-338-3625. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Last Updated: January 25, 2008
|
State Government · State Services 
