Currently, the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the mandated state test for determining English language proficiency (ELP). It must be given to students whose primary language is one other than English. California and federal law require that local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten—or year one of a two-year kindergarten program, also referred to as transitional kindergarten—through grade twelve. The ELPAC is aligned with the:
Students who are new to the State of California will need to take the Initial ELPAC test within 30 days of their enrollment. Results from this test will be used to determine a student's Language Fluency and appropriate support.
In order to assist parents/guardians in supporting their children’s acquisition of English, the California Department of Education (CDE), in collaboration with Educational Testing Service, launched a website aimed at helping families understand the ELPAC assessment system:
The family-focused website provides resources to facilitate parents’/guardians’ understanding of the scores presented on their child’s Student Score Reports. Using these websites, families can become involved in their child’s educational progress and: