Delay in Release of ELPA21 Screener Means Continued Use of TELPA for Upcoming School Year

The Iowa Department of Education reports that there has been a delay in the release of the ELPA21 Screener, which necessitates the use of the TELPA for the 2016-17 academic year. Due to field testing complexity issues related to the ELPA21 Screener, the field testing can’t be accomplished until the fall of 2016 and the final operational screener will not be available until spring of 2017. As such, Iowa has made the decision to use TELPA for the full academic year to ensure consistency in the identification of ELs.

More information on ordering materials and returning assessment results to the vendor will be forthcoming. This status is provided to help you RETAIN current TELPA test booklets and to assist you in planning for Kindergarten round-up testing.

Thank you for your ongoing collaborative spirit and dedication to Iowa’s growing population of English Language Learners. For more information, contact Dr. Jobi B. Lawrence, Title III Director, Iowa Department of Education at (515) 281-3805 or Colleen Anderson, Student Assessment, Iowa Department of Education at (515) 281-3249.