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The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

The ELPAC is the test used to measure how well students in kindergarten through twelfth grade understand English when it is not their primary language. Information from the ELPAC helps your child’s teacher provide support in the right areas.

The ELPAC Has Two Parts

The ELPAC includes an Initial Assessment and a Summative Assessment.

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Initial Assessment

Who takes the Initial Assessment?

Students take the Initial Assessment if:

  • The student has a primary language other than English.
  • The student has not taken the ELPAC before.
  • The student has not been classified before as an English learner.

What: The Initial Assessment is used to identify students as either an English learner who needs support to learn English, or as proficient in English.

When: Students are given the Initial Assessment within 30 days of when they enroll at the school.

Why: Identifying students who need help learning in English is important so these students can get the extra help they need to do well in school and access the full curriculum. Every year, students who are English learners take the ELPAC Summative Assessment to measure their progress in learning English.

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Summative Assessment

Who: The Summative Assessment is given to students who are identified as an English learner on the Initial Assessment.

What: The Summative Assessment is used to measure the skills of English learners. The results help tell the school or district if the student is ready to be reclassified as proficient in English.

When: Students who are English learners are given the Summative Assessment every spring between February and May until they are reclassified as English proficient.

Why: The Summative Assessment helps monitor student progress in learning English and supports decisions about services, instruction, and reclassification.

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The ELPAC Tests Four Areas

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing
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Students With Disabilities and the ELPAC

Yes, the ELPAC has been designed so that students, including students with special needs, can participate in the test and demonstrate what they know and can do. The test includes accessibility resources that address visual, auditory, and physical access barriers, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

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How to Help Your Child Prepare for the ELPAC

You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child include:

  • Read to your child, or have your child read to you in English, daily.
  • Use pictures and ask your child to tell you in English what they see in the picture or what is happening in the picture.
  • Talk to your child’s teacher about which areas of learning English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, may need extra support.
  • Discuss the test with your child. Make sure your child feels comfortable and understands the importance of taking the test.

The ELPAC is aligned with the California English Language Development Standards PDF opens in a new window.

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For More Information

More information about your child’s ELPAC scores can be found by contacting your child’s teacher or the school office.

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