English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
The ELPAC is the test that is used to measure how well students in kindergarten through twelfth grade understand English when it is not their primary language. The ELPAC took the place of the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) on July 1, 2018. Information from the ELPAC helps your child’s teacher provide support in the right areas.
The ELPAC has two parts:
Initial Assessment:
Who: Students will take the Initial Assessment if all three of the following are not met:
- the student has a primary language
other than English
- the student has not taken the CELDT, prior to July 1, 2018, or
ELPAC before, and
- the student has not been classified
before as an English learner.
What: The Initial Assessment is used to identify students as either an English learner who needs to support to learn English, or as proficient in English.
When: Students are given the Initial Assessment within 30 days of when they enroll at the school.
Why: Identifying students who need help learning in English is important so these students can get the extra help they need to do well in school and access the full curriculum. Every year students who are English learners will take the ELPAC Summative Assessment to measure their progress in learning English.
Summative Assessment:
Who: The Summative Assessment is given to students who are identified as an English learner on the Initial Assessment.
What: The Summative Assessment is used to measure the skills of English learners. The results will help tell the school or district if the student is ready to be reclassified as proficient in English.
When: Students who are English learners are given the Summative Assessment every spring between February and May until they are reclassified as English proficient.
Why: Identifying students who need help learning in English is important so these students can get the extra help they need to do well in school and access the full curriculum. Every year students who are English learners will take the ELPAC Summative Assessment to measure their progress in learning English.
The ELPAC tests four different areas:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Do students with disabilities take the ELPAC?
Yes, the ELPAC has been designed so that students, including those with special needs, can participate in the test and demonstrate what they know and can do. As a result, the test includes accessibility resources that address visual, auditory, and physical access barriers—allowing virtually all students to demonstrate what they know and can do.
How Can I Help My Child Get Ready for the ELPAC?
You are an important part of your child's education. Some things you can do to help your child are:
- Read to your child, or have your child read to you in English, daily.
- Use pictures and ask your child to tell you in English what they seein the picture or what is happening in the picture.
- Talk to your child’s teacher about which areas of learning English (listening, speaking, reading, writing) he or she may need extra help.
- Discuss the test with your child. Make sure he or she feels comfortable and understands the importance of taking the test.
The ELPAC is aligned with the California English Language Development Standards (PDF).
For More Information
More information about your child's ELPAC scores can be found by contacting your child's teacher and/or the school office.
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ELPAC Summative Whole group testing begins February There are 5 weeks to prepare. -------------------------------------------------------- Timeline February 1 - May 31: ELPAC One-on-One Oral Testing February 1 - April 30: ELPAC Group Written Testing by the classroom teacher -------------------------------------------------------- Reminders
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ELPAC Test Prep
TK / Kindergarten
Training Test and Writing
Practice Test and Writing
First Grade
Second Grade
Training Test and Writing
Third - Fifth Grade
Sixth - Eighth Grade
Ninth - Tenth Grade
Eleventh - Twelfth Grade
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Resources
Domain Information Sheets
ELD Resources
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What is Reclassification?
Reclassification is the process whereby a student is reclassified from English Learner (EL) status to Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) status. Reclassification can take place throughout the academic year, upon the student meeting all the reclassification criteria.
What are the reclassification criteria?
Elementary ┊ Intermediate ┊ High School
There are four criteria the student needs to meet in order to reclassify:
- An overall score of 4 on the ELPAC summative test (February-May)
- Meets or Exceeds standard on the ELA CAASPP Assessment (April-May) or Student scores within the grade level on the i-Ready Reading Assessment (September; December; March)
- Teacher recommendation when the student earns a grade level grade in their English Language Arts course and their English Language Development course.
- Parent consultation, parents are notified and encouraged to participate with the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting.
What can we do at home to support this process?
- Get involved! English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) is a committee for parents of English Learners. Through ELAC, parents can learn about programs and support the school provides to EL students.
- Communicate with your child’s teacher. They are the experts and will be happy to offer you tips and strategies to use at home to support your child’s English Language development.
- Develop your child’s critical thinking skills at home. Encourage them to answer who, what, when, where, and why questions when reading a book or listening to a story. Parents can practice these critical thinking skills in their home language. Thinking critically about a story will help your child during their school assessments.
Helpful Resources for Parents:
https://elpac.startingsmarter.org
https://elpac.org/resources/parent-resources/
For more information, please contact your child’s school.
A Parent Guide to Understanding the ELPAC
CONTACTS
Director
English Learners, Equity, and Innovation
(323) 887-7900 | Ext.
Ext. 2359
Fax | 323 887-5883