ELPAC

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is California’s assessment system that is used to determine the English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English.

The ELPAC has two parts:

Initial ELPAC - to be administered within two weeks of enrollment (only administered once over the course of the student's academic career)
Summative ELPAC - administered between February and March (Given annually until the student meets reclassification criteria)

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 eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The Initial ELPAC Fact Sheet (PDF) provides a summary of information.

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).

Summative ELPAC Assessment Fact Sheet

Benefits of completing the ELPAC

Provides accurate language proficiency measurement
Promotes individualized instruction to enhance student learning
Creates equitable education opportunities for English Learners
Identifies necessary support needed to access curriculum and resources to succeed academically

The full document is found here:

What to Expect

Your supporting HST will schedule the assessment and will be the one to administer the test to your student
The test can be given in person or remotely
Your student will need a device to test on (let your HST know if you need to borrow a Chromebook or device that supports the testing browser)

*If your student is testing remotely they will need to log into Zoom to communicate during the testing session. Additionally, if your student is in grades TK-2, they will need a piece of paper or a whiteboard to write their responses for the Writing portion of the test

Initial ELPAC After Testing

After your student completes the testing and the HST has entered their calibrated scores into the testing data entry interface, it takes approximately 24-48 hours for your student’s score report (SSR) to be uploaded in the state scoring database
Your student’s score report will then be mailed and emailed to you and your HST, with an explanation of the results: EL (English Learner) or IFEP (Initial Fluent English Proficient)
If your student is designated as an EL, they will be offered classes and support to support their English learning
If your student is designated as IFEP, no further action is required and your student has evidence that they are proficient in English

Summative ELPAC After Testing

After your student completes the testing Student Score Reports (SSRs) will be emailed and mailed to families within the first 15 days of the following school year
Your student's score will either result in the student remaining an EL or if the student meets reclassification criteria, the student will be re-designated as an RFEP (Reclassified Fluent English Proficient) student
If your student remains an EL they will continue to receive English support, participate in our provided classes, and take the Summative ELPAC annually until they meet reclassification criteria
If your student is designated as RFEP, no further action is required and your student has evidence that they are now proficient in English

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