26-27 AZELLA and Alt ELPA
Updated: July 21, 2026
1. Welcome to the AZELLA and Alt ELPA Newsletter!
Dear Families,
We are committed to supporting all students in developing the language skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
This newsletter provides information about Arizona's English language proficiency assessments: AZELLA and Alt ELPA.
If you have questions regarding these assessments, please contact:
Elle Barnes
Administrator of Special Programs
AZELLA/Alt ELPA/MSAA
520-640-3754
2. What is the AZELLA and Who Takes It?
AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment) is Arizona's statewide assessment used to measure a student's English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
AZELLA helps schools:
- Identify students who may need English language support services.
- Determine appropriate instructional placement for English learners.
- Measure students' progress toward English language proficiency each year.
There are two types of AZELLA assessments:
🔵 AZELLA Placement Test
- Students identified through the Home Language Survey (HLS) as potential English learners must take the AZELLA Placement - Dynamic Screener.
- Results help determine whether English language support services are needed.
🔵 AZELLA Reassessment
Students receiving English learner services must take the Spring AZELLA Reassessment annually until they demonstrate English proficiency.
Who takes the AZELLA?
AZELLA is administered to eligible students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Students must take the AZELLA if:
- A language other than English is indicated on the Home Language Survey.
- They are identified as English learners and receive English language development services.
- They have not yet met the state's English proficiency criteria.
3. What is the Alt ELPA and Who Takes It?
Alt ELPA (Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessment) is designed specifically for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
Like AZELLA, Alt ELPA measures a student's progress in learning English. However, it is specially designed to meet the communication and learning needs of students who participate in alternate assessments.
Alt ELPA evaluates students' English language skills in:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
The assessment is aligned with alternate English language proficiency standards that support students in developing communication skills and becoming college-, career-, and community-ready.
Who Takes Alt ELPA?
Students may participate in Alt ELPA if:
- They are identified as English learners.
- They have the most significant cognitive disabilities.
- Their IEP team determines they are eligible for alternate assessments.
Alternate assessment eligibility is reviewed annually by the IEP team.
Eligible students in grades K-12 participate in the Alt ELPA Summative assessment during the state's testing window.
4. Why Are These Assessments Important?
Not only are these tests required for students who qualify, but they also help educators:
- Measure English language growth.
- Provide appropriate language support services.
- Monitor student progress over time.
- Ensure students receive instruction that meets their individual needs.
These assessments are an important part of helping students achieve success in school and prepare for future opportunities.