Page 1 of 85
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement
Test (NYSESLAT) ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) based on NYSED
regulations and current 2026 testing guidelines.
1. A school administrator is reviewing the 2026 NYSESLAT testing schedule. By what date must the ELL
Eligible (0231) Program Service data be accurate to ensure students appear on Pre-ID rosters?
A) March 15
B) February 26
C) April 1
D) January 30
Answer: B
*Rationale: NYSED requires that ELL Eligible (0231) Program Service data be accurate by February 26 for
students to appear on NYSESLAT Pre-ID rosters and labels .*
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2. A 3rd-grade student can produce simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors but can answer
simple questions about familiar topics. According to the NYSESLAT Speaking Rubric, what proficiency
level does this describe?
A) Entering
B) Emerging
C) Transitioning
D) Expanding
Answer: C
Rationale: The Transitioning level describes students who can produce simple sentences and answer
questions but still make frequent errors in grammar and vocabulary .
3. An ENL teacher is conducting local scoring for the NYSESLAT Writing section. What must the teacher
use to ensure consistent scoring across different raters?
A) Their professional judgment only
B) Anchor papers and the official writing rubric
C) Student grade-level averages
D) Parent feedback forms
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Answer: B
Rationale: Anchor papers and the official writing rubric ensure inter-rater reliability and consistent
scoring across all raters .
4. A Kindergarten student points to pictures when asked "Which one is the apple?" but cannot verbally
name the fruit. What modality is being assessed?
A) Listening
B) Speaking
C) Reading
D) Writing
Answer: A
Rationale: The Listening domain assesses a student's ability to understand spoken English, including
following directions and identifying objects from verbal prompts .
5. A new ENL teacher is preparing to administer the NYSESLAT for the first time. Which type of training is
most appropriate for this teacher?
A) Refresher training
B) Initial administration and scoring training
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C) Parent orientation training
D) Curriculum mapping training
Answer: B
Rationale: Initial training sessions are designed for certified teachers who are new to the administration
and scoring of the NYSESLAT .
6. A student scores at the "Commanding" level on the NYSESLAT. What does this indicate about the
student's English language proficiency?
A) The student has severe proficiency gaps
B) The student is eligible for continued ELL services
C) The student has achieved proficiency and may be considered for exit from ELL status
D) The student cannot participate in grade-level academic work
Answer: C
Rationale: The Commanding level is the highest proficiency level and indicates the student has achieved
English language proficiency, potentially qualifying for exit from ELL services .
7. A school is planning its NYSESLAT administration schedule. The test assesses students in which four
language domains?
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement
Test (NYSESLAT) ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) based on NYSED
regulations and current 2026 testing guidelines.
1. A school administrator is reviewing the 2026 NYSESLAT testing schedule. By what date must the ELL
Eligible (0231) Program Service data be accurate to ensure students appear on Pre-ID rosters?
A) March 15
B) February 26
C) April 1
D) January 30
Answer: B
*Rationale: NYSED requires that ELL Eligible (0231) Program Service data be accurate by February 26 for
students to appear on NYSESLAT Pre-ID rosters and labels .*
, Page 2 of 85
2. A 3rd-grade student can produce simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors but can answer
simple questions about familiar topics. According to the NYSESLAT Speaking Rubric, what proficiency
level does this describe?
A) Entering
B) Emerging
C) Transitioning
D) Expanding
Answer: C
Rationale: The Transitioning level describes students who can produce simple sentences and answer
questions but still make frequent errors in grammar and vocabulary .
3. An ENL teacher is conducting local scoring for the NYSESLAT Writing section. What must the teacher
use to ensure consistent scoring across different raters?
A) Their professional judgment only
B) Anchor papers and the official writing rubric
C) Student grade-level averages
D) Parent feedback forms
, Page 3 of 85
Answer: B
Rationale: Anchor papers and the official writing rubric ensure inter-rater reliability and consistent
scoring across all raters .
4. A Kindergarten student points to pictures when asked "Which one is the apple?" but cannot verbally
name the fruit. What modality is being assessed?
A) Listening
B) Speaking
C) Reading
D) Writing
Answer: A
Rationale: The Listening domain assesses a student's ability to understand spoken English, including
following directions and identifying objects from verbal prompts .
5. A new ENL teacher is preparing to administer the NYSESLAT for the first time. Which type of training is
most appropriate for this teacher?
A) Refresher training
B) Initial administration and scoring training
, Page 4 of 85
C) Parent orientation training
D) Curriculum mapping training
Answer: B
Rationale: Initial training sessions are designed for certified teachers who are new to the administration
and scoring of the NYSESLAT .
6. A student scores at the "Commanding" level on the NYSESLAT. What does this indicate about the
student's English language proficiency?
A) The student has severe proficiency gaps
B) The student is eligible for continued ELL services
C) The student has achieved proficiency and may be considered for exit from ELL status
D) The student cannot participate in grade-level academic work
Answer: C
Rationale: The Commanding level is the highest proficiency level and indicates the student has achieved
English language proficiency, potentially qualifying for exit from ELL services .
7. A school is planning its NYSESLAT administration schedule. The test assesses students in which four
language domains?
