English Proficiency Test

English Language
Learner Education
Handbook 

Home Language Survey

English Proficiency Test

English Proficiency Levels 0-5

Learning to Speak English
and Learning Academic English

The Instructional Program

ELL Program Scheduling, 
Progress, Exit and FLEP

How Parents can Help

The Bedford Public Schools ELL Program uses the Ballard & Tighe Idea Proficiency Tests to determine placement for ESL instruction. The IPT is a series of standardized, nationally normed testing instruments for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Students entering Kindergarten are assessed on the Pre-IPT Oral for ages 3-5. There is no reading or writing on this assessment.

Students entering Grade 1 are assessed on the IPT Oral for Grades 1-6. There is no reading or writing on this assessment.

Students entering Grades 2-12 are assessed on the IPT Oral for Grades 1-6 or 7-12, and the appropriate IPT-Reading and Writing Assessment.

ESL teachers or the program coordinator give this assessment to students. Parents may remain with the child during testing.

If there is no need for additional ESL instruction, we call parents, and communicate with the child's school. If the assessment shows a need for further services, we will communicate by phone and by letter. We will also communicate with the child's school.