English Language Proficiency Assessment for California

What is the ELPAC?

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is California’s statewide assessment system for measuring students’ English language proficiency. The ELPAC helps schools identify students who may need English Learner services, monitor English Learners’ progress in developing English, and determine when students have demonstrated the level of English proficiency needed to be considered for reclassification.

The ELPAC assesses four areas of English language development:

• Listening – understanding spoken English in academic and everyday contexts

• Speaking – communicating ideas and information orally for different purposes and audiences

• Reading – understanding and interpreting written English

• Writing – communicating ideas and information through written English

The ELPAC is aligned with California’s English Language Development (ELD) Standards and provides information that MUSD uses alongside other measures of student progress to ensure that English Learners receive appropriate instruction and support.

Initial ELPAC

The Initial ELPAC is given to newly enrolled students in kindergarten through grade 12 whose primary language is a language other than English, as indicated through the state-required language identification process.

The purpose of the Initial ELPAC is to determine a student’s initial level of English language proficiency and whether the student is identified as an English Learner (EL) or Initial Fluent English Proficient (IFEP). The results help MUSD determine appropriate language instruction and supports for students who are identified as English Learners.

Students who are identified as English Learners through the Initial ELPAC participate in the Summative ELPAC each year until they meet the requirements for reclassification.

The Summative ELPAC is given annually to students who are identified as English Learners and have not yet been reclassified. It measures students’ progress in developing English proficiency across Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

The Summative ELPAC provides information about a student’s current level of English proficiency and progress over time. MUSD uses this information, together with classroom performance and other relevant measures, to monitor student progress, inform English Learner services, and support decisions about when a student may be ready for reclassification.

The annual Summative ELPAC testing window occurs between February 1 and May 31.

The Alternate ELPAC is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet the participation criteria for California’s alternate assessments.

Like the ELPAC, the Alternate ELPAC measures English language proficiency and includes Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. It is aligned with the California ELD Standards through English Language Development Connectors, which provide standards reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity for this population.

There are two Alternate ELPAC assessments:

• Initial Alternate ELPAC – used to determine a newly enrolled student’s initial English Learner classification or Initial Fluent English Proficient (IFEP) status.

• Summative Alternate ELPAC – administered annually to eligible English Learners to measure progress toward English proficiency and support reclassification decisions.

Why Does the ELPAC Matter?

ELPAC results are one part of a larger system for supporting English Learners at MUSD. Assessment results help educators understand students’ English language development, identify areas of strength and need, and monitor progress over time.

MUSD uses ELPAC information together with classroom evidence, academic performance, and other relevant student data to ensure that English Learners receive the instruction, intervention, enrichment, and other supports they need to develop English proficiency and access grade-level learning.

Ultimately, the goal is for every English Learner to make consistent progress toward English proficiency and to be reclassified when they meet California and MUSD criteria.