Quality of English Language Proficiency Assessments: Evaluation of State and Local Implementation of Title III Assessment and Accountability Systems English Learners With Disabilities Meeting Summary

The meeting on English learners (ELs) with disabilities was held at the U.S. Department of Education, LBJ Auditorium from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on March 16, 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for experts in the assessment and instruction of ELs with disabilities to present recent research and development efforts in this area, and to discuss key questions related to these topics and needed areas of research. Additionally, the meeting was intended to help inform the development of a Peer Review Guidance document that will be used to assist state education agencies (SEAs) in preparing materials for the peer reviewers who will review the implementation of state Title III assessment and accountability provisions. The meeting included three panel presentations and subsequent moderated discussions: (1) Differentiating Language and Literacy Acquisition From Disability; (2) Fostering Valid and Reliable English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessments for ELs With Disabilities; and (3) Assessing ELs With Significant Cognitive DisabilitiesELP Standards and Assessments, and Growth and Attainment Criteria. This report briefly provides background information related to the meeting, followed by a summary of the presentations and discussion for each panel. Appendix A includes a meeting agenda, Appendix B includes a list of project staff and panelists involved in this meeting, Appendix C includes cameos for the moderators and panelists, and Appendix D includes resources associated with the presentations.