Pressure to pass: NYSITELL and NYSESLAT tests

Abstract

New initiatives to increase educational accountability for English language learners (ELLs) through CR Part 154 have brought the use of language proficiency tests for ELLs into sharp focus in New York State. This paper outlines the stated purposes of the NYSITELL and NYSESLAT tests, and documents their implementation and administration as identification and placement tests during the 2014–15 academic year. Questions related to language proficiency constructs, content and language development, and standardization of testing procedures are raised in an effort to further understand the consequential role of these tests in public school classrooms.