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Reclassified Fluent English Proficient

What is Reclassification?

Reclassification is the process through which an English Learner (EL) is formally identified as a Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) student after demonstrating the English language proficiency and academic skills needed to participate successfully in a curriculum designed for English-proficient students.

MUSD views reclassification as an important milestone in a student’s English language development. It reflects a student’s demonstrated ability to access grade-level academic content and participate successfully in school without specialized English Learner services.

California requires school districts to use four criteria when determining whether an English Learner is ready for reclassification. MUSD considers all four criteria together when determining whether a student is ready to be reclassified.

MUSD Reclassification Criteria

Criterion 1: English Language Proficiency — ELPAC

  • The student must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving an Overall Performance Level (PL) 4 on the Summative ELPAC.

  • For students who take the Alternate ELPAC, the student must achieve an Overall Performance Level (PL) 3.

  • The ELPAC measures English proficiency in four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Criterion 2: Teacher Recommendation and Evaluation

  • The student’s teacher provides input regarding the student’s English language development, classroom performance, and mastery of grade-level academic content.

  • Teacher evaluation considers whether the student is able to participate successfully in academic instruction, communicate effectively in English, and demonstrate their learning in the classroom.

Criterion 3: Parent/Guardian Consultation

  • Parents and guardians are an important part of the reclassification process. MUSD provides families with an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and share their perspective on their student’s English language development and academic progress.

  • Families will be informed when their student is being considered for reclassification and will have an opportunity to provide input before the process is completed.

Criterion 4: Academic Performance in Basic Skills

  • The student must demonstrate academic performance in English that is comparable to that of English-proficient students in the same grade.

  • MUSD uses the 50th percentile as the benchmark for this criterion. Students may demonstrate that they have met this criterion through an applicable reading assessment, including:

    • STAR Reading

    • STAR Early Literacy for students in grades K–2, as appropriate

  • A student may also meet this criterion when their performance on the English Language Arts SBAC/CAASPP is Proficient (3) or Advanced (4).

Reclassification Is a Milestone—Not the End of Support

Reclassification marks an important transition in a student’s English language development, but it does not mean that a student no longer benefits from support. MUSD continues to monitor the academic progress of students after reclassification and provides appropriate support when needed.

Our goal is for every English Learner to receive the instruction, intervention, enrichment, and other supports needed to develop English proficiency, access grade-level learning, and successfully meet the criteria for reclassification.