What type of assessment is the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS)?

The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is classified as a summative assessment because it is designed to measure the proficiency levels of English language learners in Texas at the end of an instructional period, often at the end of the school year. The focus of summative assessments is to evaluate student learning and proficiency to make decisions regarding educational progress and accountability. TELPAS specifically assesses students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English and provides a comprehensive overview of their language proficiency levels.

This type of assessment is typically used to determine how well students have learned the material over a period of time, which is essential in language acquisition contexts like that of the TELPAS. By assessing students at the end of a learning cycle, the TELPAS helps educators and schools understand the effectiveness of their English language instruction and identify areas where students may need additional support.