ELPAC (Initial, Initial Alternate, Summative, Summative Alternate)
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California consist of four tests: Initial ELPAC, Initial Alternate ELPAC, Summative ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC. All measure the California ELD standards in four domains - Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
Initial ELPAC
Administered when the Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English and the student has not been assessed before, within 30 calendar days of first enrollment in a California public school. It classifies the student as an English learner or Initial Fluent English Proficient. Overall levels are Minimally, Somewhat, Moderately, and Well Developed; Well Developed yields IFEP.
Summative ELPAC
Annual for all English learners in kindergarten through grade 12, administered in the February 1 – May 31 window. Speaking is always one-on-one; in grades 2–12 listening, reading, and writing are group-administered, while in kindergarten and grade 1 all domains are individual. Four overall levels (1 Minimally to 4 Well Developed) plus domain scores are reported. Reclassification under Education Code 313 combines the Summative ELPAC with teacher evaluation, parent or guardian opinion, and basic-skills performance. The Alternate ELPAC serves English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities, is administered one-on-one, and is built on alternate ELD standards; the Initial Alternate determines initial status and the Summative Alternate serves as the annual measure.
Worked example
A student enrolls on September 12 in grade 3, and the survey lists Tagalog at home. Reasoning: the Initial ELPAC is due within 30 calendar days, by October 12 - calendar days, not school days. If the student is classified as an English learner, the Summative ELPAC is given in the next February 1 – May 31 window. The Initial may not be counted as the annual accountability measure, and it may not be used in place of a Summative for progress reporting.
Traps that cost marks
- Counting 30 instructional days instead of 30 calendar days for the Initial.
- Giving a newly enrolled student the Summative instead of the Initial.
- Treating an Initial result as a reclassification tool.
- Assuming speaking is group-administered after grade 2.
- Overlooking that alternate ELPAC results use alternate standards and levels.