English Language Proficiency Assessments for CA Overview

ELPAC LogoThe 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 is taking the place of the California English Language Development Test (CELDT). Information from the ELPAC helps your child’s teacher provide support in the right areas.

This Introduction to the Initial ELPAC for Parents Video provides information about the Initial ELPAC including its purpose, an explanation of who takes the test, and a description of how parents and guardians will be notified of their child’s results. This video is recommended for parents and guardians who want to learn more about the Initial ELPAC.

The Summative ELPAC Student Score Report Video shows elements of the student score report along with explanations of the information on the report. This video is recommended for parents and guardians, as well as teachers and educators who want to learn more about how to understand the Summative ELPAC Student Score Report.

starting smarter

Starting Smarter is a website for parents/guardians with information on what is being tested on the ELPAC (and Alternate ELPAC when it becomes available) and how to understand the student score reports. The website, available in both English and Spanish, includes sample test questions and information about activities parents can do at home with their child. The image is a link but, the may be found here as well:
elpac.startingsmarter.org


 

Description of ELPAC assessment

The ELPAC tests four different area:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

The ELPAC has two parts:

Initial Assessment

Who: Students will take the Initial Assessment if:

  • The student has a primary language other than English
  • The student has not taken the CELDT 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 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 to measure their progress in learning English.