State Testing & Exit Criteria

The Connecticut State Department of Education uses the LAS Links Online Assessment for EL/ML students in Grades K-12. LAS Links is a research-based test that looks at academic and social competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills for English Language Learners. EL/ML students take the LAS Links in the winter. Parents/guardians will receive a copy of their child(ren)'s LAS Links scores after the testing is completed.

The skills that are assessed include:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

In order to achieve exit status as an English/Multilingual Learner, the student must obtain the following on the LAS Links Online Assessment:

• an overall Level 4 or 5 on the LAS Links
• a Reading score of 4 or higher
• a Writing score of 4 or higher

In the 2024-2025 school year, Connecticut’s K-12 students identified in the Public School Information System (PSIS) as English learners/ Multilingual learners with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) documenting a significant cognitive disability may be considered for the Connecticut Alternate Assessment of English Language Proficiency (CAAELP). Eligibility for the Connecticut Alternate Assessment System, including CAAELP, requires the review, determination, and completion of the Connecticut Alternate Assessment Eligibility form as part of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process in the Connecticut Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS). EL/ML students who qualify for this test must meet the following criteria to exit

• Productive Modality (Speaking and Writing) Level 3 or Level 4

AND

• Receptive Modality (Listening and Reading) Level 3 or Level 4