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List of Tests for English Learners

List of testing instruments that to be used to assess the language proficiency of English learners in private schools.

The local educational agency (LEA) in consultation with the private schools that wish to participate in Title III, should select an English proficiency assessment that is mutually agreed upon by the private school and LEA. Any test selected must have technical data supporting its validity and reliability to measure listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English proficiency. A selection of English language proficiency tests that meet the criteria and were previously approved for use in California's public schools are listed below. However, any test mutually agreed upon which is reliable and valid for assessing English proficiency in English learner students may be used.

Any of these three tests may be used to assess primary language proficiency for those who speak the Spanish language.

IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT) External link opens in new window or tab.
Publisher: Ballard and Tighe, Inc.
471 Atlas Street
Brea, CA 92821
(800) 321-4332

Language Assessment Scales (LAS) External link opens in new window or tab.
Publisher: Data Recognition Corporation
20 Ryan Ranch Road
Monterey, CA  93940
(800) 538-9547

Woodcock-Muñoz External link opens in new window or tab.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
One Pierce Place, Suite 900W
Itasca, IL 60143
(800) 767-8420

Another test previously approved by the California Department of Education which does not include tests of reading and writing, which may be considered is:

Bilingual Syntax Measure I and II
Pearson-Assessment and Information External link opens in new window or tab.
Publisher: Pearson
P. O. Box 599704
San Antonio, TX 78259
(800) 328-5999

*This list was developed by the Language Policy and Leadership Office, California Department of Education. It is to be used for technical assistance purposes only.

Questions:   Language Policy and Leadership Office | 916-319-0845
Last Reviewed: Monday, June 16, 2025
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