Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS)

The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) assesses the English language proficiency of English Learners in Kindergarten through grade 12 in four language areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Student performance is reported based on four levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced, and advanced high. These results are used in accountability and performance measures for the district and to support teachers in planning for instruction.

TELPAS Testing Timeline
Melissa ISD Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking online assessment window for on-campus assessment: February 19 through March.

Who is tested?
All Emergent Bilingual students in kindergarten through 12th grade enrolled in Texas public schools are required to participate in the TELPAS. TEA developed a TELPAS Alternate which is an alternate English language proficiency assessment for EB students that have the most significant cognitive disabilities and meet certain participation requirements.

Grades Kindergarten - 1st Grade

  • Holistically rated observational assessments of listening speaking, reading, and writing.

Grades 2nd - 12th Grade

  • Multiple-choice online reading tests in grade clusters: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12

  • Online listening, speaking, reading, and writing tests in grade clusters: 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12

How are students tested?
Online Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

  • Per the Texas Education Agency (TEA), students in grades 2-12 are required to test on campus in a monitored setting with a trained test administrator present.

  • Schools will notify students and parents of scheduled test dates and campus procedures for testing.

  • Students who do not participate in all domains will not be eligible for exit or reclassification for the next school year.

How can I help my student prepare for the TELPAS test?
For some helpful things you can do to help your student do well in school and on the TELPAS test view these Tips for Parents.

TELPAS FAQ