English Language Proficiency Assessment for California
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the mandated state test used to measure how well students in kindergarten through twelfth grade understand English when it is not their primary language. The ELPAC consists of 2 separate English language proficiency (ELP) assessments: The Initial ELPAC, and the Summative ELPAC.
Initial ELPAC
The Initial ELPAC is used to identify students as English learners (ELs) who need support to learn English, or as proficient in English. It is given to newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English and who have not been previously identified as EL. Students are given the Initial ELPAC within 30 days of when they enroll at school. Identifying students who need help learning English is important so that student can receive the support they need to do well in school.
Summative ELPAC
The Summative ELPAC is given to students who were identified as EL on the Initial ELPAC. The purpose of the Summative assessment is to determine a students level of English language proficiency. EL students are assessed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. EL students will take the Summative ELPAC annually in the spring until they are reclassified as English proficient.