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SDLA Compliance Resource

Administer the Initial Alternate ELPAC Within 30 Calendar Days

A coordinated enrollment, IEP, CALPADS, and assessment control for an eligible newly enrolled pupil with the most significant cognitive disability.

  • ELPAC
  • English Learners
Date(s)Within 30 calendar days after first California public-school enrollment
Applies toEligible K–12 pupils whose HLS indicates a language other than English and whose active IEP assigns an alternate ELP assessment

In Plain Language: Complete the same 30-day initial-identification duty using the Initial Alternate ELPAC only when the pupil’s active IEP supports that individualized assignment.

Why this matters

The assessment assignment must be correct before administration. Enrollment staff, the IEP team, CALPADS, and assessment staff each hold a different piece of the decision.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: LEA ELPAC coordinator with the IEP case manager. Handoff partners: registrar, CALPADS, trained test examiner, parent, and special education administrator.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Start the 30-day clock and search for prior California ELAS/assessment history.
  2. 2. Confirm the active IEP explicitly assigns the alternate English language proficiency assessment.
  3. 3. Align enrollment, language, disability, and test-assignment records in CALPADS/TOMS.
  4. 4. Give advance parent notice; have a trained examiner administer and score the assessment using current instructions.
  5. 5. Verify the result, notify the family, and implement the EL and IEP handoffs.

Implementation pathway

Enrollment/HLS
IEP decision
CALPADS/TOMS match
Parent notice
Alternate administration
Status and services

Evidence to retain

  • Enrollment clock and prior search
  • Active IEP and decision evidence
  • TOMS alternate assignment
  • Training/administration record
  • Result, parent notice, and program handoff

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.