PreLAS Online Identification Program Requirements Overview – FAQs

Who do we need to test and why?
Please view the TEA’s video The Process for Serving Emerging Bilingual Students”” and go to www.TXEL.org”” for information on who to test, how and why.  

What is the PreLAS?

The PreLAS is language proficiency assessment consisting of an Oral Language component and a PreLiteracy Component in English and Spanish for preK3-, preK4-, and Kindergarten students. Test results are used to identify and place Emergent Bilingual (EB) students in appropriate classroom settings.

What form(s) of the PreLAS do we administer for the purpose of Emergent Bilingual student identification?
PreLAS English Form C
PreLAS Español Form C - if you have a bilingual program (see Chapter 89 for more information)

Do we give the Oral Component and the PreLiteracy Component for Emergent Bilingual student identification?

Texas LEAs are only required to administer the Oral Component of the assessment for the purpose of Emergent Bilingual student identification.

How long does it take students to be assessed with the PreLAS?
Approximately 15 minutes or less per student.

Is there a Spanish component to the PreLAS?
The PreLAS Español is a separate standalone assessment from the English form(s) of the test.  PreLAS Español must be administered for the purpose of Emergent Bilingual student identification IF your LEA has a bilingual program.

Can the PreLAS be utilized to assess 6-year-olds?
Yes, if the 6-year-old is a Kindergartener. If they are in First Grade (or going into First Grade) they must be given the LAS Links grade 1 Form A assessment.

What scores are used to determine Emergent Bilingual student status?
For PreLAS (preK3-K), if a student receives an Oral score of 1, 2 or 3, they are to be considered an Emergent Bilingual student.

What is the turnaround time to get results when taking the test online?
10-15 minutes from test completion to reporting.

Are we required to give the entire Oral Component if the student does not know English?

The PreLAS has built in guidance as to "when to stop testing" due to insufficient language. TAs are to follow the guidance of the assessment.

Who may administer the assessments?
This is a local decision however, PreLAS should be administered by trained professionals or paraprofessionals who are proficient in the language of the test.

May a parent/guardian be present when assessing their student?
Best practices dictate that a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) should NOT be present when assessing the student. If a student is upset because of the separation, if you can, give the student a few days to acclimate to their new environment and then attempt to test the student.

Can we use paper and online assessments at the same time?
No, LEAs are to only administer the online assessment as of SY 26-27.

Can the data from the reports be transferred into our data management system?
Yes. You may purchase a Student Data File (available for both PreLAS Online and LAS Links Online) which is provided nightly via the INSIGHT portal. This export of your online test data can be imported into any data management system.

For pricing, please utilize the "Additional Services" order form found at www.laslinks.com/Texas.

May we administer the PreLAS during the spring semester for our PK students to use for EOY LPACs and/or for the purpose of progress monitoring at the end of the year?
Yes, PreLAS Form D is a great option as it:

  • Is on the same scale as Form C allowing you to compare linked data points (as opposed to utilizing a different assessment that doesn't link to the PreLAS data you acquired with EB student identification testing)
  • Has the same flow, format and rubric as PreLAS Form C with different items so no new training is required
  • Provides an expected gains study written by the PreLAS authors allow LEAs to analyze the data to determine if sufficient/expected growth has been made since the initial data point/identification of the student (available upon request)
  • Is available online via the INSIGHT portal (so no additional technology is needed)