Skip to main content

SDLA Compliance Resource

Communicate Initial ELPAC Identification and Results Promptly

A results-to-services handoff that tells the family the pupil’s status, score meaning, language program information, and next steps within the initial-identification timeline.

  • ELPAC
  • English Learners
Date(s)Complete the initial assessment and identification process within 30 calendar days of first enrollment; provide the results/program communication promptly when the official result is available
Applies toParents/guardians of pupils completing Initial ELPAC or Initial Alternate ELPAC

In Plain Language: Validate the official result, update the pupil’s English language acquisition status, and give the family understandable written information about the result, identification, program, rights, and contact for questions.

Why this matters

The score is not merely an assessment artifact; it initiates or confirms EL services and future annual assessment, or establishes initial fluent English proficiency.

Primary ownership

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

From an official initial result to a family notice and service handoff: the SDLA ITO workflow

The family is told the result, the identification, and the program, and the pupil's instruction should reflect it. This SDLA ITO (Input, Transformation, Output) graphic shows how the official score report, ELAS data in TOMS, CALPADS, and the SIS, and CDE notice content become the verified result, the notice and delivery proof, and the service handoff.

SDLA ITO: eleven steps from the official score report, ELAS data in TOMS, CALPADS, and the SIS, and CDE notice content, through result and ELAS verification, notice preparation, delivery, and the program handoff, to the verified result, the notice and delivery proof, and the service handoff.
Read down each column, then move to the next: Input identifies what to collect; Transformation covers result and ELAS verification, notice preparation, delivery, and the program handoff; Output covers the verified result, the notice and delivery proof, and the service handoff. Communicate promptly when the official result is available.

Open the full-size workflow graphic

Operational workflow

  1. Verify all domains/local scoring and match the official result to the pupil.
  2. Confirm TOMS-to-CALPADS/SIS ELAS processing and resolve discrepancies.
  3. Prepare the current CDE-based initial notification in the required language/mode.
  4. Explain result, status, program, family rights, and contact; document delivery.
  5. Confirm that instruction, services, annual-assessment roster, and records reflect the final status.

Implementation pathway

Official result
ELAS verified
Accessible family notice
Program/services
Annual assessment or IFEP record

Evidence to retain

  • Official score report
  • ELAS/SIS/CALPADS verification
  • Notice and translation
  • Delivery and questions
  • Program-placement/service 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.