Information for Parents and Guardians

English Language Proficiency Assessment / Reassessment

Grades 9, 11, and 12

The English Language Proficiency Assessment/Reassessment (ELPA/R) is an assessment of students’ reading comprehension skills based on the Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum Outcomes (Grade 8) and the New Brunswick Provincial Achievement Standards in Reading (end of Grade 8). 

 Data obtained from the ELPA/R provide information about individual student achievement in literacy and are used by schools, districts, and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to track program effectiveness.

Who participates in the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA)?

The ELPA is compulsory for all students in Grade 9 unless an exemption is granted. It is a high school graduation requirement. Results are expressed as: Strong Achievement, Appropriate Achievement, and Below Appropriate Achievement. Students must score an Appropriate Achievement or higher to meet this requirement.

Who participates in the English Language Proficiency Reassessment (ELPR)?

The ELPR is identical to the ELPA and is written by students in Grades 11 and 12 who did not attain the Appropriate Achievement level, or who received an exemption, in Grade 9. Students in Grade 10 who were unsuccessful on the ELPA in Grade 9 do not participate in the assessment during their Grade 10 year. This provides the opportunity for targeted literacy intervention before they write the ELPR in Grade 11.

 Are accommodations available?

Accommodations are alterations that do not jeopardize the integrity or content of the assessment. Such accommodations ensure all students have a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do. Not all accommodations available in the classroom setting are appropriate for provincial assessments. For more information please refer to: Provincial Assessment Program: Protocols for Accommodations and Exemptions.

 The use of dictionaries, thesauri, and translation devices is not permitted for the ELPA/R.

Who may be exempted?

A student may be granted an exemption from participating in the ELPA/R when justified by the student’s Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Approval of parents/guardians, school principal, district, and EECD is required. A permanent or temporary exemption may be granted.

When do students write the ELPA/R?

Normally written during the high school exam period each January, this year, in response to pandemic-related concerns, additional time has been provided and the assessment period is moved to April 19 to May 5.

What is the format of the ELPA/R?

The ELPA/R consists of several reading passages and 50 multiple choice questions. This year will be the first time this assessment is administered online. On April 6, a practice assessment will open to ensure students are comfortable with the online format. All students are encouraged to participate.

Content

To ensure alignment with our provincial standards, a review committee of New Brunswick educators selected the content of the assessment. Students have 90 minutes to complete the assessment, with up to 90 extra minutes, if needed.

Text Types:

 Question Types:

How are the results reported?

Students receive individual reports. In addition, results for each school and school district are published on EECD’s website, under Reports on Achievement.

Where can I find more information?

Information about the ELPA/R can be found on the Education and Early Childhood Development website under Assessment and Evaluation (High School).

If you have questions, please contact the Assessment, Analysis, and Design Services Branch, Anglophone Division at (506) 453-2744.