Identification Program Requirements
Which form of LAS Links is used for the purpose of English learner identification?
- LAS Links English Form A and LAS Links Español form A
What grade levels and domains do we assess?
Per the TEA:
- Grade 1: should be administered the LAS Links Speaking and Listening domains
- Grades 2-12: should be administered the LAS Links Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing domains
*LAS Links Español (grades 1-6) should be administered if your LEA provides a bilingual program
How long does it take students to be assessed?
- The speaking and listening domains take approximately 10-15 minutes each. The reading and writing domains take approximately 35-45 minutes each. Keep in mind, online administration of the assessment allows you to group administer all domains, including Speaking
What scores are used to determine English learner status?
- Grade 1: if a student receives a proficiency level of 1, 2 or 3 in either Speaking and/or Listening, they are to be considered an English learner
- Grades 2-12, if a student receives a proficiency level of 1, 2 or 3 in any of the 4 domains (Speaking, Listening, Reading and/or Writing) they are to be considered an English learner
Can a Test Administrator not test and/or stop the test due to insufficient language?
Per the TEA:
- Students must be given the opportunity to attempt all assigned subtests per the requirements set forth for the purpose of the identification of English learners
- At no time, can a student be labeled “unable to test due to language” without being allowed to attempt each subtest they are assigned
- For each subtest, trained test administrators must give students as much time as they need, as long as they are working on the test
- If, after a reasonable amount of time, a student appears to not be actively engaged in the subtest they are being presented, a trained test administrator may use his/her professional discretion and may stop the subtest and move the student on to the next subtest
- Stopping the test must be documented and provided to the LPAC for consideration
What is the guidance if a student has an overall score of 4 or 5 on the LAS Links assessment, but scores a 3 or lower in one of the language domains?
Per TEA (and federal guidelines):
- If a 1st grade student receives a proficiency level of 1, 2 or 3 in either Speaking and/or Listening, they are to be considered an English learner
- If a 2-12 grade student receives a proficiency level of 1, 2 or 3 in any of the 4 domains (Speaking, Listening, Reading and/or Writing) they are to be considered an English learner
Who may administer the assessments?
This is a local decision however, LAS Links should be administered by professionals or paraprofessionals who are proficient in the language of the test.
Can we use paper and online assessments at the same time?
Yes, you may use both paper and online assessments at the same time but it is recommended that a single student be tested either fully online or fully on paper.
Can the data from the reports be transferred into our data management system?
Yes. You may purchase a Student Data File (available for both preLAS Online and LAS Links Online) which is provided nightly via the INSIGHT portal. This export of your online test data can be imported into any data management system. For pricing, please utilize the “Additional Services” order form found at www.laslinks.com/Texas.
What is the turn around time to get results when taking the test online? Paper?
For online,
- 30-60 minutes from local educator scoring to reporting (Speaking and Writing)
- 30-60 minutes from test completion to reporting (Listening and Reading)
For paper, you will score locally immediately following the completion of the test.