English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)

In 2017, the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards Committee, Arizona English Learner (EL) practitioners in partnership with the Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS), began revising the 2010 ELP Standards. They developed Standards and Performance Indicators for grade/grade-bands K, 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9- 12. The 10 ELP Standards are consistent K-12 and are organized by Mode of Communication (Receptive, Productive, Interactive), with two standards dedicated to Language (one of which is Grammar). The Performance Indicators highlight a strategic set of language skills that are needed by ELs as they develop proficiency in the English language. The Arizona State Board of Education approved this latest version of the ELP Standards in December 2018.

Based on feedback from educators using the 2019 English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards for daily instruction over the past few years, the Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) has simplified the usability of these standards. OELAS clarified the English Language Proficiency/English Language Arts (ELA) Standard alignments and Instructional Resources. The ELP Standards, Reading Foundational Standards, and Performance Indicators all remain the same.

The following documents include the clarified alignment and resources:

Full implementation of the 2019 ELP Standards was expected during the 2021-2022 school year.
Starting with the Spring 2023 AZELLA Reassessment, the language assessments are now in full alignment with the 2019 ELP Standards.

SY 2019-2020: Introduction, Rollout, and Training

LEAs are to continue to utilize the current ELPS (2010) for School Year 2019-2020.
During School Year 2019-2020, ADE will work with LEAs to provide training on the Revised ELPS for use in School Year 2020-2021.
AZELLA will continue to be based on the 2010 ELPS.

SY 2020-2021: Transition and Continued Training

LEAs are expected to start including the Revised ELPS in lesson plans during School Year 2020-2021.
AZELLA will continue to be based on the 2010 ELPS.

SY 2021-2022: Implementation

LEAs will fully implement the Revised ELPS.
AZELLA will continue to be based on the 2010 ELPS. _{(rev. 3.8.21)}

SY 2022-2023: AZELLA Alignment

Beginning this year, the AZELLA reassessment will be based on the 2019 ELPS.

Should you have questions, please email us: [email protected].

English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)

2019 ELPS: Kindergarten - Fifth Grades (Elementary), Clarified Documents

2019 ELPS: Sixth - Twelfth Grades ELPS (Secondary), Clarified Documents

Resources for the 2019 ELPS

Original ELPS Documents (K-12) and Timeline for Implementation

Contact