Initial Identification
For initial identification purposes Mason uses the Ballard & Tighe IDEA Language Proficiency Test (IPT) Family of Tests. They are nationally normed language proficiency assessments and are available for students in grades PreK-12. These tests evaluate students’ oral language, reading, and writing proficiency.   

Ongoing Assessment - The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)
If a student qualifies for ESL services, they are required by law to take a yearly, state-mandated test. This test shows growth from one year to the next. Ohio is a member of the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21) consortium which developed the English language proficiency assessment based on the English Language Proficiency Standards. Administered in the early spring, this test measures students' English language skills in 4 areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Students will receive scores in each domain on a scale of 1-5. 

OELPA scores are a determining factor in deciding when a student will exit the ESL program.

English Proficiency Levels: This chart explains what students can do at each level of proficiency.