FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How is placement determined for potential ELLs in assessments?

1. Students must score above the 50th percentile.

2. Students must be at or above the 33rd percentile.

3. Students must score below the 25th percentile.

4. Students are placed based on their home language.

The correct answer is: Students must be at or above the 33rd percentile.

Placement for potential English Language Learners (ELLs) in assessments is typically guided by specific thresholds that help determine language proficiency. Scoring at or above the 33rd percentile indicates that a student has a sufficient level of understanding, thereby allowing them to be placed in a program that supports their language development effectively. This threshold ensures that students who may need additional assistance are identified appropriately, as it distinguishes those who require more support from those who may already be functioning reasonably well in an English-speaking academic environment. The other approaches, such as scoring above the 50th percentile or below the 25th percentile, do not align with standard practices for identifying ELL placement needs. Additionally, using home language as a sole criterion does not adequately assess academic language proficiency or the specific needs related to English learning. Thus, the emphasis on the 33rd percentile provides a fair and supportive basis for determining placement in ELL assessments.