English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC)
English Language Proficiency Assessment Requirements
Federal law (Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act [ESEA]) and California state law (Education Code Sections 313 and 60810–60812) require local educational agencies (LEAs) to administer a statewide English language proficiency test. This test must be given to all kindergarten through twelfth-grade students whose primary language is not English, as well as to students previously identified as English Learners (ELs) who have not yet been reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 10510, designates this test as the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).
The Initial ELPAC
The Initial ELPAC is a one-time assessment used to determine whether a student is an English Learner or fluent in English. This test is administered after the student’s enrollment in a California public school, based on the results of the Home Language Survey. For more information, please see the Initial ELPAC Assessment Fact Sheet provided by the California Department of Education.
The Summative ELPAC
The Summative ELPAC is administered annually to monitor the English language development of students identified as English Learners. It assesses four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This assessment helps determine whether a student's English language skills have advanced to the "Fluent English Proficient" level. For additional details, see the Summative ELPAC Assessment Fact Sheet from the California Department of Education.