FAQ: Which language should teachers administer to students? Considering some campuses have dual-language and/or bilingual classrooms.

Decisions about how and in which language students are assessed are made at the local district level. CLI does not prescribe assessment administration practices or determine whether students should be assessed in English, Spanish, or both. These decisions are typically guided by district policy, instructional models, and local decision-making processes.

While many programs have traditionally recommended assessing students in the language of instruction, assessment practices have become more varied as districts implement dual-language and multilingual programs. As a result, there is no single required approach for all settings. Decisions about whether to assess students in one language or both are guided by what best aligns with the program model, instructional practices, and student needs.

The CLI Engage platform supports multiple assessment options but does not dictate how assessments should be administered. When data is submitted to TEA’s ECDS, all assessment data, both English and Spanish is included in the submission. CLI Engage does not filter or exclude data based on the language of administration.

Because assessment and reporting guidance is determined locally, there is not a prescriptive recommendation within CLI Engage.

For questions related specifically to ECDS reporting requirements or implications, districts are encouraged to contact the TEA ECDS department directly at earlychildhoodeducation@tea.texas.gov or by submitting a help ticket through the ECE Support Portal.