FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ballard & Tighe’s IPT Early Childhood English Language Screener Approved by California Department of Education (CDE) for Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Now supporting California districts for 2026–27 voluntary implementation
BREA, CA — April 15, 2026 — The California Department of Education (CDE) has approved Ballard & Tighe’s IPT Early Childhood test for screening multilingual learners in Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Ballard & Tighe, Publishers, a leader in English language development materials for over 50 years, will support districts implementing the approved solution.
Created specifically for children ages 3–5, the assessment features separate, age-appropriate test forms for three age groups, providing accurate results aligned to each stage of development. Students demonstrate their understanding and expressive language capabilities in a structured interview setting using a hands-on storyboard and manipulatives, supporting interaction and active demonstration vs. a response-only format for a well-rounded measure of spoken interaction.
The platform supports ease of implementation with streamlined setup, intuitive administration, and timely results to inform instructional planning. It also includes clear, family-friendly parent letters in multiple languages that communicate results in an accessible way, helping strengthen home–school connections.
Now Open for 2026–27 Voluntary Participation
Following CDE approval, Ballard & Tighe is supporting local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the 2026–27 voluntary implementation period for the TK Multilingual Learner Screener.
Districts participating early can:
- Prepare ahead of statewide rollout
- Train staff and refine local processes
- Implement with guided onboarding and support
Ballard & Tighe is now working with districts across California to support implementation planning, training, and onboarding for the upcoming school year.
For more information, contact Lori Hill at lhill@ballard-tighe.com.
About Ballard & Tighe, Publishers
Ballard & Tighe is a leading provider of English language development assessments and instructional programs for K–12 learners. For over 50 years, the company has supported educators with reliable tools for student identification, placement, and progress monitoring.
