Language Proficiency Assessment

A Home Language Survey is completed during enrollment to determine if a student is eligible for the Initial ELPAC.  Students are eligible for the initial assessment based on the following: 

• The Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English is used by the student and in the home.
• The student was not previously assessed with the ELPAC (or its predecessor the CELDT).

The results of this test determine if the student is an English Learner (EL) OR Fluent English Proficient (FEP) and will support placement decisions and assist teachers in providing the appropriate English language development instruction and  linguistic support. 

Initial language assessment is by appointment only.  Appointments are made by school staff after all enrollment requirements have been met. Parents receive results of the initial assessment through the PowerSchool Parent Portal and receive an Initial Notification letter containing their child’s test results.

When a student has a primary language other than English, the ELPAC and EL history are requested from the previous district by the Educational Services/ELD Staff Secretary.

Students previously identified as English learners take the Summative English Language Proficiency for California or ELPAC each year until reclassified to Fluent English Proficient. The Summative ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards(opens in new window/tab) and assesses four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The purpose of the assessment is to measure progress toward English proficiency, inform proper educational placements, and to help determine if a student is ready to be reclassified.

The annual assessment is administered at school sites by personnel trained in test administration. Parents receive results of the annual assessment through the PowerSchool Parent Portal and receive an annual notification letter containing their child’s test results.

The Summative ELPAC Student Score Report Video shows examples of the Summative ELPAC Student Score Reporet along with explanations on the report.

The video is recommended for parents and gaurdians, teachers, and educators who want to learn more about how to understand the Summative ELPAC Student Score Report.

• Summative ELPAC Student Score Report Video: English (Video; 6:58)(opens in new window/tab)
• Summative ELPAC Student Score Report Video: Spanlish (Video; 8:42)

When district criteria are met, English learners are considered RFEP, Reclassified Fluent English Proficient. Students exiting the ELD program are monitored for four years post reclassification.