English Language Proficiency Levels

Alignment to Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
ELPA21 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
WIDA Entering Emerging Developing Expanding Bridging *
TESOL Starting Emerging Developing Expanding Bridging
California Emerging Expanding Bridging
New York State Entering Emerging Transitioning Expanding Commanding
Texas Beginning Intermediate Advanced Advanced High
Arizona Pre-Emergent Emergent Basic Low Intermediate High Intermediate *
Connecticut Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

* WIDA and Arizona have a 6th category called Reaching or Proficient. This category is not a language proficiency level, but rather a culminating stage at which a language learner is able to access grade-level academic content without language support.


Raz-Plus ELL Edition Proficiency Level Descriptors

Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Level 4


Level 5