ELPAC Testing

Initial ELPAC 

The Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that is given to newly enrolled students whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law requires that local educational agencies (LEAs) administer a state test for ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The Initial ELPAC Fact Sheet (PDF) provides a summary of information. 

Need further information? Watch this video

Initial ELPAC Frequently Asked Questions

When is it administered? 

•  Within the 1st 30 days of student's enrollment

How do I know if my student needs this?

• You will receive an email notifying you and the HST that the student needs to be tested.

How is the test administered?

• We schedule a time with the family and complete the test remotely over Zoom.

How can I  help support my child in testing?

• Encourage them to respond to emails in a timely manner for scheduling.

• Remind them the day before their testing appointment. Text or call 30 minutes before to make sure they are ready.

• Feel free to share this video with your families.

How long does the test take? What should they expect?

• The test typically takes 30-60 min depending on the student. Students should expect to be asked questions to assess their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

Can the parent help by translating the questions?

• No

Summative ELPAC 

The Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is an annual assessment to measure an English learner's progress toward English language proficiency (ELP). The Summative ELPAC Fact Sheet (PDF) provides a summary of this information and more. The purposes of the Summative ELPAC are to determine the level of ELP of EL students and to assess the progress of EL students in acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The following are the English proficiency statuses for students associated with taking the Summative ELPAC.

All EL students must be administered the ELPAC until they are reclassified. There is no parent opt-out or medical exemption for this assessment.

Summative ELPAC Frequently Asked Questions

When is this test administered?

• During the testing window in February

• HSTs will sign students up for the desired testing day and time.

How is the test administered?

• This is a computer-based test that students 3rd-12th complete independently. Students that are in TK-1st grade will complete the test one-on-one with a test examiner, and students in 2nd grade will complete part of the assessment in a small group and part of the assessment one-on-one with a test examiner. 

• The test may be administered remotely or in person depending on the guidelines from the state.

How can I help my student(s) prepare for the ELPAC?

• Please watch this video (start at minute 4:50 or see this quick reference guide).

• The ELD Team will offer Practice ELPAC test classes in January (ELPAC Bootcamp) that will help familiarize students with the format and sample questions.

• Have your student(s) visit the ELPAC Practice and Training Test site and take practice tests to familiarize themselves with the testing format.