English Language Proficiency Standards Review
Background
The State Board of Education (SBOE) has authority for the review and adoption of the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). SBOE members nominate individuals to serve on the review work groups. The SBOE initially began the review and revision process for the ELPS in 2019. The ELPS review was paused in 2020 and resumed in 2023. This page provides information regarding the review and revision of the ELPS.
ELPS Review 2023–2024
TEKS Adopted by the State Board of Education
The SBOE gave final approval on September 13, 2024, to new ELPS for kindergarten–grade 12. The new ELPS will be effective in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 120, Subchapter B, 20 days after they are posted to the Texas Register and will be implemented in classrooms beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The following document reflects the new ELPS approved by the SBOE. The ELPS include two sections: student expectations and proficiency level descriptors. In the new ELPS, proficiency level descriptors are hyperlinked in the rule text as figures (Kindergarten–Grade 3: Figure 19 TAC §120.20(e)(2) and Grades 4–12: Figure 19 TAC §120.21(e)(2)).
19 TAC Chapter 120, Subchapter B, English Language Proficiency Standards, Approved by the SBOE
Amendments to be Considered by the SBOE at Second Reading (September 2024 SBOE)
Amendments to be considered by the SBOE for second reading and final adoption of proposed new 19 TAC, Chapter 120, Other Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Subchapter B, English Language Proficiency Standards, are provided in the document below.
Final Recommendations, June 2024
In May and June 2024, TEA convened ELPS review work groups to review feedback and finalize their recommendations. To view work group final recommendations, click on the item to download the PDF. The SBOE is scheduled to consider proposed new ELPS for first reading and filing authorization at its June 2024 meeting.
- Kindergarten–Grade 12 Student Expectations, Final Recommendations (PDF, 226KB)
- Kindergarten–Grade 3 Proficiency Level Descriptors, Final Recommendations (PDF, 3,178KB)
- Grades 4–12 Proficiency Level Descriptors, Final Recommendations (PDF, 2,500KB)
Draft Recommendations, March 2024
In fall 2023, TEA began convening ELPS review work groups to review and develop recommendations for revision to the ELPS writers’ draft. To view work group draft recommendations, click on the item to download the PDF.
- Listening Domain (PDF, 1,751KB)
- Speaking Domain (PDF, 1,777KB)
- Reading Domain (PDF, 1,658KB)
- Writing Domain (PDF, 1,764KB)
ELPS Review Writing Group
After convening a series of work groups in 2019, TEA identified a group of experts in language acquisition from Texas institutions of higher education and an education service center to complete recommendations for revisions to the ELPS. Information related to the ELPS review writing group is available on the ELPS Review Writing Group webpage.
2019 ELPS Review Work Groups
The SBOE's review and revisions process calls for multiple, separate work groups. The following links include individuals appointed by the SBOE to serve on the ELPS review work groups in 2019 and their drafts.
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
teks@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9581