| B1 |
| 14 | A | Antonym Recognition (ancient → modern) | A2 |
| 15 | A | Idiomatic Expression (lend a hand) | A2 |
| 16 | B | Reading: Author’s Purpose / Main Idea | A2 |
| 17 | B | Reading: Explicit Informational Detail | A2 |
| 18 | A | Reading: Scanning for Specific Information | A1 |
| 19 | B | Reading: Idiomatic Inference in Narrative | B1 |
| 20 | A | Reading: Narrative Cause & Effect | B1 |
| 21 | B | Reading: Plot Resolution & Reaction | A2 |
| 22 | A | Reading: Theme & Universal Lesson | B1 |
| B | Mechanics: Proper Nouns & Punctuation | B1 |
| 24 | A | Complex Sentence Combination (Subordinating) | B2 |
Domain Distribution: Grammar: Q1–8 (8 pts) | Vocabulary: Q9–15 (7 pts) | Reading: Q16–22 (7 pts) | Mechanics: Q23–24 (2 pts)
Subtotal: 24 Points
ESL Placement Scoring Guide & Key • Page 2
Rubric & Placement Bands
Rubric
Holistic Evaluation Criteria
| Score | Performance Level | Descriptors (Grammar, Vocabulary, Structure & Completion) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pts | Advanced Control (Bridging) | Writes 4–6 complete, well-formed sentences with varied sentence structures (simple and compound/complex). Uses precise descriptive vocabulary. Minor punctuation or capitalization slips do not hinder comprehension. Directly answers all prompt components. |
| 3 pts | Competent Control (Expanding) | Writes 3–5 mostly complete sentences with clear meaning. Demonstrates good grasp of basic tense and subject-verb agreement with occasional errors in complex structures. Adequate vocabulary; addresses most parts of the prompt clearly. |
| 2 pts | Developing Control (Emerging) | Writes 2–3 simple sentences or phrases. Frequent grammatical errors (verb omissions, tense shifts, word order). Relies on basic, repetitive vocabulary. Ideas are understandable with effort, but prompt is only partially answered. |
| 1 pt | Beginning Control (Entering) | Writes isolated words, single sentence fragments, or heavily patterned phrases with little grammatical structure. High interference from native language; minimal response to the prompt. |
| 0 pts | Non-Scorable | Blank, copied prompt text verbatim, completely off-topic, or written entirely in a language other than English. |
Placement
Composite Score: 0–28 Points
| Total Score | Proficiency Band | Recommended Middle School Program Placement & Support |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 8 pts | Level 1: Entering | |
| WIDA 1 / CEFR A1 | Newcomer / Intensive ESL Support: Dedicated English Language Development (ELD) block, visual scaffolding, bilingual glossaries, modified reading materials, and intensive phonics/syntax intervention. | |
| 9 – 16 pts | Level 2: Emerging | |
| WIDA 2–3 / CEFR A2 | Intermediate ESL Class (Tier 2): Daily 45-minute ELD period focused on academic vocabulary, complex sentence building, and guided reading; sheltered content-area instruction. | |
| 17 – 23 pts | Level 3: Expanding | |
| WIDA 4 / CEFR B1 | Push-In / Co-Taught ELA Support: General education English classes with specialized push-in support; focus on Tier 3 academic discourse, analytical writing, and reading comprehension. | |
| 24 – 28 pts | Level 4: Bridging | |
| WIDA 5 / CEFR B2 | Mainstream General Education: Fully mainstreamed classes with quarterly ESL specialist progress monitoring; candidate for formal reclassification review. |
Student Placement Diagnostic Record Slip Attach to cumulative folder
Section 1: Grammar _____ / 8
Section 2: Vocabulary _____ / 7
Section 3: Reading _____ / 7
Section 4: Writing/Mech _____ / 6
Final Composite Score: _____ / 28
Recommended Placement:
Evaluator Signature: