When bilingual students enroll in Seattle Public Schools for the first time, they are tested to determine their English language proficiency for school placement. Each year in school, students in bilingual education programs take standardized tests that assess their English language proficiency. Bilingual students also take the standardized achievement tests that are given to all students.

Language Assessment Scale (LAS-O)
The Bilingual Family Center gives the LAS-Oral test when a student is first brought in to enroll. Depending on the student's oral score, the BFC may administer an additional reading and writing test. The test score is used to help determine what type of English language learning program the student needs, if any. Teachers may also periodically administer the LAS-Reading/Writing exams to their bilingual students.

Washington Language Proficiency Test (WLPT)
The WLPT is a reading and writing assessment required by the state for all bilingual students in Kindergarten through grade 12. ("Bilingual student" means a student in a transitional bilingual education program, such as an English as a Second Language class.) Students take the test in February and March.

Other Standardized Tests
Bilingual students are also required to take other mandated standardized tests, depending on their grade level. These include the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), the Direct Writing Assessment (DWA), the Direct Reading Assessment (DRA), and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).

Updated on: September 29, 2009