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Welcome to the Language Assessment and Placement Center

  • The Language Assessment Placement Center (LAPC) helps students and families who speak another language, other than English, to find out if their child is an English Language Learner (ELL).  If a child is identified as an ELL, they will get special classes and/or extra help to improve their English.

    Our team is here to work closely with you throughout the placement process, and we are committed to providing support every step of the way. If needed, we also have interpreters available to assist. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we’re here to help!

    Phone: 585-262-8284 or 585-262-8251
    Email: studentregistration@rcsdk12.org

    The chart below illustrates the step-by-step process of how the Language Assessment and Placement Center determines whether your child is an English Language Learner:

    The RCSD LAPC follows a six step Language Assessment and Placement process

  • Step 1: HLQ

    Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ)
    When your child first starts school in New York, the Language Assessment and Placement Center (LAPC) will ask you to fill out a form called the Home Language Questionnaire. This form asks about the languages spoken in your home.

    • If your family speaks a language other than English at home, the LAPC will go through the necessary steps to see if your child needs extra support to learn English.

    Step 2: NYSITELL

    English Language Test - New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)
    If the questionnaire shows that your child speaks a language other than English at home, the LAPC will give them a test to see how well they understand and speak English. This test is called the NYSITELL.

    • The test looks at how well your child can listen, speak, read, and write in English. Based on the results, the NYSITELL Test will determine if your child needs help with learning English.

    Step 3: Level

    Does Your Child Need English Help?
    Based on the test results, your child will be placed at one of these levels, depending on how well they know English:

    1. Entering (Level 1) – They need a lot of help learning English.
    2. Emerging (Level 2) – They know some English but still need help.
    3. Transitioning (Level 3) – They’re getting better at English, but still need some support.
    4. Expanding (Level 4) – They are becoming fluent in English but may still need some help.
    5. Commanding (Level 5) – They are very good at English and don’t need extra help.

    If your child tests Entering through Expanding, they will get special classes and/or extra help to improve their English. This might include classes where they learn English as a new language or, in some schools, bilingual classes where they can learn both their home language and English.

    Step 4: School Placement and Communication

    Throughout the process, you will receive communication from LAPC regarding your child’s placement and whether your child is identified as an English Language Learner.  We will discuss your child’s NYSITELL results and program/school options.  You will have the opportunity to participate in an informational session to inform you of the services that your child is entitled to, your rights as a parent, and ways you can get involved with your child’s education.  You will also receive confirmation letters regarding your child’s program/school placement.  

    Step 5: Monitoring Progress

    Every year, the school will give your child another test to see how well they are doing in learning English. This test is called the (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test) NYSESLAT. It checks if your child is making progress in learning English.  

    • Why do schools test every year? The school wants to make sure your child is getting better at speaking, reading, and writing in English.

    Step 6: Exiting ELL Services

    • How will the school determine when your child is ready? As your child improves on the NYSESLAT, the amount of English language support will decrease. Once your child reaches the level of Commanding, they will exit English as a New Language status and will be considered a Former English Language Learner (ELL). 

    • What happens after they exit ELL status? Even after leaving the services, the school will continue to watch your child’s progress for the next couple of years to make sure they’re doing well. Students enrolled in Bilingual Education Programs may remain enrolled in program and/or Spanish Language Arts even after exiting services. The full range of programming depends on grade level.

    What's Next?

Notification of your Child's English Proficency

  • The Language Assessment and Placement Center will send you a notification letter similar to the one shown below, telling you your child’s current level of English proficiency. This letter will be mailed to your current address a few business days after your child takes the NYSITELL.

    This letter provides information about your child's current ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English. This information is shared with your child's school and is used to compare your child's growth in English proficiency in future school years.

    ELL Entitlement Letter - This shows your child's current level of English proficiency

Notification of your Child's Placement

  • The Language Assessment and Placement Center will send you a notification letter that looks similar to the one shown below, telling you the school placement for your child. This letter will be mailed to your current address a few business days after the LAPC team reviews the results of your child's NYSITELL and considers any additional factors, such as available program seats, the District's school zone policy, and any educational needs that are identified through this process.

    After you receive this letter, please sign and return this letter to the Language Assessment and Placement Center (LAPC) in the pre-paid envelope that is provided.

    Placement Letter - This informs a parent of their child's school placement

Additional Information