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SDLA Compliance Resource

Continue Annual ELP Assessment When a Parent Declines EL Services

A respectful boundary between parental choices about language instruction services and the LEA’s continuing duty to assess an English learner annually until reclassification.

  • ELPAC
  • English Learners
Date(s)Ongoing; annual assessment occurs during the February 1–May 31, 2027 window
Applies toPupils who remain identified as English learners when a parent declines or withdraws from some or all EL program services

In Plain Language: Document the parent’s service decision and implement it as applicable, but keep the pupil on the annual Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC roster until the pupil is formally reclassified.

Why this matters

Declining services does not change ELAS. Without annual results, the LEA loses required progress evidence and the pupil may have less opportunity to demonstrate readiness for reclassification.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: EL program administrator. Handoff partners: parent/family liaison, ELPAC coordinator, CALPADS/SIS, principal/teacher, special education, and translator/interpreter.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Receive and document the precise service decision; provide interpretation and explain available programs.
  2. 2. Confirm the pupil’s ELAS remains EL and identify instruction/support that continues under law and local policy.
  3. 3. Keep the pupil on the correct annual general or alternate ELP assessment roster.
  4. 4. Administer during the statewide window and provide results.
  5. 5. Review progress and apply the complete reclassification process when criteria are met.

Implementation pathway

Parent service choice
ELAS remains EL
Annual assessment continues
Results and progress
Formal reclassification when criteria met

Evidence to retain

  • Parent request/communication
  • Program decision and supports
  • ELAS and roster verification
  • Annual completion/result notice
  • Reclassification evidence when applicable

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current federal and California requirements, CDE and ELPAC manuals, local policy, pupil records, and live CALPADS/TOMS status before acting.