Click here for a letter dated August 28, 2009 from Kevin Fangman, Iowa Department of Education, referencing screening and testing of ESL students. As stated in this letter, Title III funds may not be used to pay for placement or screener exams (e.g., IPT or LAS). It is very important, however, that your district continues to use one of these testing instruments to identify students in need of ESL services. As referenced in the letter, Heartland AEA 11 will no longer be able to provide either of these screening instruments.
Your district may purchase the IPT from Ballard & Tighe, or the LAS from McGraw-Hill. If you have questions about ordering the IPT, please contact Pat Latham at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14681. You may choose either the IPT or LAS instrument to use as your placement exam.
If you have questions, please contact Pat Latham (contact information above) or Stephaney Jones-Vo at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680. If you have concerns, please contact the Iowa Department of Education Title III consultant, John Scott, at (515) 281-3805.
