What are the TEAE and MN SOLOM?
The TEAE is a reading and writing test for students who have been identified as English language learners (ELL) in grades 3-12. The TEAE has four grade bands ─ 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. The MN SOLOM is a listening and speaking
checklist for ELL in grades K – 12 that the teacher uses to assess a student’s English listening and speaking skills.
Why do we give the TEAE and MN SOLOM?
Title III of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires all states to measure the progress made by ELL in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Minnesota uses the TEAE and MN SOLOM to determine if schools meet the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAO) for the year set bythe state and to make sure ELL are making progress in English reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Who must take these tests?
Students who are identified by their school as LEP (Limited English Proficient) because they speak a language other than English at home and need additional support for learning English must take these tests.
What does it take to pass the TEAE or MN SOLOM?
Low scores on the TEAE or MN SOLOM do not hold students back in a grade or prevent them from graduating on time. There are four achievement levels for the TEAE reading test. A student who scores in the highest achievement level (Level 4) may be ready to exit the LEP program, depending on the district policy. There are five achievement levels for the TEAE writing test. A student who scores in the highest achievement level (Level 5) may be ready to exit the LEP program. The MN SOLOM has five achievement levels. A student who scores a Level 4 or Level 5 can be considered proficient in listening and speaking. A learner who is proficient on the MN SOLOM can fully participate in oral language tasks at school.
What is the format of these tests?
The TEAE is a paper and pencil test that measures the ability of students to read and write in English. The MN SOLOM is a checklist that the teacher completes that provides information about a student’s listening and speaking in English
What skills are included on the TEAE?
The reading test begins with a picture prompt. This test also moves to short and long narratives and ends with one or two expository passages. Each reading test has a theme and characters that appear throughout. The writing test contains two prompts: one prompt includes a picture and the other prompt is written out in words. Trained scorers use the same rubric to rate student writing for all test forms.
What skills are included on the MN SOLOM?
Teachers rate their students in the domains of social and academic comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar.
How can I see the results for my child, school and district?
All test results are sent to the school district. The district will deliver the results for your child to you. You can see the results for the TEAE and MN SOLOM for all schools and districts at the Minnesota Department of Education Website. Go to the Report Card section and click on the first letter of your school or district. (http://education.state.mn.us – under
Academic Excellence: School Report Card)
How can students prepare forthese tests?
Please see our handout “Test Preparation Suggestions for Students, Teachers and Parents” under the Assessments section of our Website for tips on content preparation and general test-taking. (http://education.state.mn.us – under Accountability Programs: Assessment and Testing: Assessments)
Where can I find more information about the TEAE and MN SOLOM?
Go to the Minnesota Department of Education Website and follow these links:
Accountability Programs:
Assessment and Testing: Assessments:
ELL Tests
For more information, contact:
Minnesota Department of Education
Research and Assessment
mde.testing@state.mn.us
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
(651) 582-8200