CAL works with MetriTech and New York State to develop items for the speaking portion of the NYSESLAT, an assessment of English oral proficiency of all English Language Learners enrolled in Grades K-12 in New York State schools. Approximately 275,000 students across the state are assessed by the NYSESLAT annually.

Each year, CAL oversees the writing of new speaking test items, conducts internal and external item reviews, and helps prepare final copies of speaking field test forms and directions for administration. CAL has also developed operational scoring materials for the speaking test and conducted local scoring trainings.