Six States Form Consortium to Collaborate on English Language Proficiency Initiatives

Six state education agencies serving an estimated 320,000 English language learners (ELL) have formed an independent English Language Proficiency Collaboration and Research Consortium (ELPCRC) to collaborate, provide unified representation, and undertake studies and research for the improvement of ELL testing and instruction. All six states implement CTB/McGraw-Hill's LAS Links English language proficiency assessment for their statewide English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. They are uniting based on this common platform to ensure a greater level of consistency, uniformity and quality in their programs.

The six states that make up ELPCRC are Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, and Nevada. CTB/McGraw-Hill serves as a non-voting, supportive member of the consortium. The states administer LAS Links for their Title III Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives test for language acquisition and academic achievement, as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

"With our regular Consortium meetings, we are already reaping the benefits of sharing ideas and discussing the issues that relate to assessing and supporting the language learning students in our states," said Steven Ross, inaugural chairman of ELPCRC and Title III Consultant for the Nevada Department of Education. "As time goes on, this consortium will provide the foundation for our efforts to develop consistency, uniformity and quality in the assessment and instruction of limited English-proficient students."

"CTB/McGraw-Hill is honored that these six states selected LAS Links and are allowing us to play a part in providing valuable opportunities on behalf of English language learners. We are proud to support the Consortium and applaud its initiative to create and share best practices," said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill.

Each state's membership in ELPCRC is voluntary and each member state receives one vote in any decision. The Consortium has no legal standing, authority or obligation with or over any members within it, but serves as a forum to support and encourage the sharing of ideas among member states. For more information about the Consortium, visit elpcrc.org.

About LAS Links Assessment and Instructional Tools

LAS Links is an integrated system of reliable, research-based assessments and instructional guidance for all English language learners. The system also provides compliance with NCLB Title III requirements. Features include:

   * K-12 proficiency assessments for accurate placement/evaluation
   * Benchmark assessments for ongoing progress monitoring
   * Instructional guidance and staff development tools to help teachers use
     test results to inform learning and address students' needs

The K-12 assessment uses a common vertical scale to measure the four NCLB domains of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Incorporating realistic illustrations, contextualized reading passages, photographs, and culturally relevant test content encourages students to do their best. Test formats include multiple-choice and performance-based questions that address a wide range of language skills. Test items include language from subjects such as math, science, technology, and social studies. The LAS Links system is compatible with any English language proficiency test in which a state or district chooses to administer. For more information, visit ctb.com/laslinks.

About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As the nation's leading publisher of standardized and standards-based achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. Additional information is available at CTB.com.

SOURCE: CTB/McGraw-Hill

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kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com

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