ELPA21 is committed to ensuring every student receives a fair and valid assessment of their English proficiency, which includes continuously improving our tests to reflect the latest advancements in assessment design and technology. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the ELPA21 Online Summative Assessment has been shortened. With this change, students will experience a streamlined testing process with fewer test items and reduced completion times, while receiving the same accurate and reliable scores. Shortening the length of the annual summative test is also expected to reduce the scheduling burden on schools and test administrators, leading to a smoother testing process for all!
In addition to shortening the online version of the test, the ELPA21 Assessment Design Team is also hard at work on a shortened version of the “paper/pencil” version of the summative assessment. The shortened version of the ELPA21 Online Summative Assessment will launch in Winter 2025 when each state’s testing window opens, with the “paper/pencil” version expected to debut during the 2026–27 school year.
For more information about the changes coming to the ELPA21 Online Summative Assessment, please review the frequently asked questions below, or contact us through our online inquiry form.
Which assessment is being shortened?
We have shortened the length of the ELPA21 Online Summative Assessment. Later, we will shorten the length of the “pencil/paper” version of the test. No additional assessments will be affected by these changes.
When will this change take effect?
This change will take effect beginning Winter 2025 as each state’s testing window opens. The shortened version of the “paper/pencil” ELPA21 Summative is expected to debut during the 2026–27 school year.
What are the reasons for shortening the test length?
Shortening the length of the ELPA21 Online Summative Assessment reduces the operational burden on schools and saves educators invaluable classroom time. It also reduces item redundancies, lessening student fatigue and increasing engagement with the test items. These benefits come at no cost to the assessment’s rigor, accuracy, or reliability, making it an excellent upgrade to our flagship English language proficiency assessment.
How long does it take to complete the shortened test?
The ELPA21 Online Summative test length varies by grade band. The chart below is broken down by grade band and shows, in minutes, the estimated times to complete individual domains as well as the estimated times to complete the shortened Online Summative Assessment.
Which domains are being affected by the shortened test length?
Items and/or tasks have been removed from sections of the test for all domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
Which ELPA21 Partner States are participating in the shortened test length?
All states that use the ELPA21 Online Summative will begin using the shortened test form once it is released.
Will shortening the test change the way scores are delivered or presented?
No, score reports will remain unchanged.
Will this change affect the way the assessment is delivered?
Although the test length is decreasing, the test administration process will remain unchanged.
Thank you!
ELPA21 wishes to extend its gratitude to its Governing Board, test delivery and research partners, and everyone who’s contributed to this project since its inception. Your support and dedication are what make initiatives like this possible and fuel our commitment to developing the fairest and most accurate English language proficiency assessments.