Initial ELPAC

WHAT IS THE INITIAL ELPAC?

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is California’s assessment system that is used to determine the English language proficiency (ELP) of students whose primary language is not English. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards and assesses four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The Initial ELPAC is used to identify students as being either an English learner or fluent English proficient. It is administered only once during a student’s time in the California public school system, based on the results of the home language survey. The locally scored Initial ELPAC is the official score.

WHY IS THE INITIAL ELPAC GIVEN?

The purpose of the Initial ELPAC is to determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time. Identifying students who need help learning in English is important so students get the extra help they need to do well in school while receiving instruction in all school subjects.

WHO TAKES THE INITIAL ELPAC?

The Initial ELPAC is given to students in kindergarten (K) through grade 12 whose primary language is not English to determine their ELP status. Students with disabilities who cannot take one or more domains of the ELPAC with allowed universal tools, designated supports, or accommodations are eligible for a domain exemption(s). Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who cannot access the ELPAC with approved accessibility resources are eligible to take an alternate assessment, as noted in their individualized education program.

HOW IS THE INITIAL ELPAC GIVEN?

The Initial ELPAC is a paper-pencil test administered in six grade spans— K, 1, 2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. In K and grade 1, all domains are administered individually. In grades 2–12, the test is administered in groups except for speaking, which is assessed one-on-one.

WHEN IS THE INITIAL ELPAC GIVEN?

The Initial ELPAC administration window is open from July 1 through June 30.