Understanding Participation and Scoring Rules for the Online 2019–2020 Summative ELPAC

Understanding Participation and Scoring Rules for the Online 2019–2020 Summative ELPAC

Dear LEA ELPAC Coordinator:

Local educational agencies (LEAs) may be wondering how the transition to the computer-based ELPAC affects how English learners (ELs) count as participated and which students will be scored.

English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) has a whole new importance with a computer-based assessment. ELs will be eligible to test only if their ELAS is "EL." Please work with the LEA's California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System coordinator to ensure all ELAS data is up to date before students begin testing.

To count as participated, students must log on to at least one domain in the Oral language composite (i.e., Listening and Speaking domains) and one domain in the Written language composite (i.e., Reading and Writing domains). Students will receive a calculated score or the lowest obtainable scale score (LOSS) if they

• log on to at least one domain from each composite, or
• have been designated to receive a locally determined and administered alternate assessment, or
• have received a domain exemption from at least one domain in each composite.

Students who do not meet this requirement will not count as participated and will not receive a Student Score Report (SSR). Exceptions may apply in the following cases:

1.  English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) changes during the computer-based Summative ELPAC test administration window

Students who are identified as an EL during the test administration window will be eligible to take the Summative ELPAC. Student demographic data, including grade, special education status, socioeconomically disadvantaged status, and ELAS are locked when the student accesses the first domain of the online assessment. Students who are reclassified during the test administration window can continue to test but will not be reported unless the student has completed testing all four domains by the end of the test administration window.

2.  Student receives domain exemptions or is assigned alternate assessments or an unlisted resource for the computer-based Summative ELPAC

When a student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan specifies that the student has a disability for which there are no appropriate accommodations in one or more domains, the student may be exempt from the domain and shall be assessed in the remaining domains in which it is possible to assess the student. To receive an overall score, a student cannot be exempted from both domains within the Oral language or Written language composite. A composite score will be calculated based on the domain administered.

When a student with the most significant cognitive disability(s) is not able to take the ELPAC (the entire test or any portion of it), the IEP team may determine that a locally determined alternate assessment is appropriate and necessary. The LOSS will be assigned to each of the domains where an alternative assessment is administered. Students taking the alternate assessment for all domains will count as participated.

Students who use an unlisted resource that changes the construct of the test will receive a LOSS for that domain. A student's overall score will be calculated based on the remaining domains completed.

Release of the 2019–2020 Summative ELPAC SSRs

Prior to releasing any results, Educational Testing Service (ETS) will conduct analyses to ensure the validity and accuracy of student results. The timing of the SSR and LEA student data file release is contingent on when ETS receives enough data to complete the necessary analyses. Once the analyses and quality control processes are complete, electronic SSRs will be released on a weekly basis, estimated to begin mid-June 2020.

LEAs will still be required to ship the kindergarten through grade two (K–2) Writing materials—including completed, scannable Answer Books—as soon as possible back to ETS for scoring early in the window. K–2 Writing materials can be returned even if students in these grade levels have not completed computer testing in the other three domains. Returning materials early means scoring and reporting can start earlier for all LEAs. A good practice is to send materials twice a month, from February to May, using the electronic shipping labels and white boxes provided. The final pickup is on June 12, 2020. If your LEA needs to order additional white boxes, please contact the California Technical Assistance Center (CalTAC).

Direct questions about ELPAC administration to CalTAC, by phone at 800-955-2954 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely,

California Technical Assistance Center

Phone: 800-955-2954

Fax: 800-541-8455

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://www.elpac.org/