English Language Performance Assessments for California (ELPAC)
What is the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)?
The ELPAC is the mandated state test for determining English language proficiency (ELP). It must be given to students whose primary language is one other than English. California and federal law require that local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten—or year one of a two-year kindergarten program, also referred to as transitional kindergarten—through grade twelve. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards and is comprised of two separate ELP assessments: The Initial ELPAC and the Summative ELPAC.
For frequently asked questions view A Parent Guide to Understanding the ELPAC, (家長指南 加州英語能力評估測驗) or visit ELPAC Parent Resources. Parents and students can review and take ELPAC Practice Tests to become familiar with the types of test questions on the ELPAC. Select “Sign In” as a Guest User and Guest Session to take a practice or training test with your child. ELPAC & CAASPP Practice Tests 測試練習 provides detailed login instructions.
Initial ELPAC
Initial ELPAC—an initial identification of students as English learners (ELs)
Schedule: ongoing, within 30 days of initial enrollment
Summative ELPAC
Summative ELPAC—an annual summative assessment to measure an ELs progress in learning English and to identify the student's English language proficiency level
2023-2024 Schedule:
TBD, Spring 2024
Alternate ELPAC
English Learners Performance Level Correlation
The Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) provide an overview of the stages of English language development through which English learners (ELs) are expected to progress as they gain increasing proficiency in English as a new language. The PLDs depict student knowledge, skills, and abilities across a continuum, identifying what ELs know and can do at early stages and upon exit from each of three proficiency levels: Emerging, Expanding, and Bridging. This chart shows both Initial and Summative ELPAC scores in correlation to the PLDs continuum.
