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ELPAC (Initial)
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law require that schools administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The initial ELPAC is administered ONLY ONCE, within the first 30 days of the student's enrollment. Subsequently the student wil take the Summative ELPAC each year until the student is eligible to be reclassified as "English Fluent/Proficient"
Overview:
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law require that schools administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
The ELPAC Initial test is paper/pencil based and locally scored, meaning that results are immediate and support the proper placement of students based upon their identified proficiency levels.
California transitioned from the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to the ELPAC as the state ELP assessment in 2018. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate ELP assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners (ELs), and a second for the annual summative assessment to measure a student’s progress in learning English and to identify the student's level of ELP.
Who it measures:
All students whose primary language is not English as indicated on the Home Language Survey. Students with disabilities who cannot take one or more domains of the ELPAC with allowed universal tools, designated supports, or accommodations will take an alternate assessment(s), as noted in their individualized education program.
What it measures/purpose:
The ELPAC isthe test that isused to measurehow well students in kindergarten through grade twelve understand English when it isnot their primary language.
When is it used? (Testing Windows)
The Initial ELPAC administration window is open from July 1 through June 30, e.g. all year long. The initial ELPAC Test should be administered to students whose English Learner status is "TBD", (To Be Determined) and should NOT be given to students already identified as English Learners ("EL"), students who have already reclassified ("RFEP") or students whose designation is English Only ("EO") Student results from the Initial ELPAC are used in determining the students language classification either as an English Learner (EL) or as an Initially Fluent English Proficient ("IFEP")
It is important to note that students with the TBD status MUST be administered the Initial ELPAC test within 30 calendar days after enrolling in a California public school. This assures an accurate and timely identification of the student's English proficiency level and should support decisions for instruction, student grouping, etc.
How is the data used?
The ELPAC is used to assess and monitor EL students’ progress toward English language proficiency. The initial ELPAC test evaluates whether the student is truly and English Learner (not yet English Proficient) or whether the student’s English proficiency is sufficient to join a mainstream classroom (IFEP). EL students continue to take the ELPAC SUMMATIVE annually until they meet their LEA’s reclassification criteria.
Roster Integration:
Student Roster list syncs automatically via CALPADS (allow 72 hours). Student names, grade levels, SSID#’ and program enrollment carry over, but not testing accommodations. They must be done separately. The IT and Data teams are responsible for troubleshooting roster issues.
Where is this information stored?
Original test data is stored in the TOMS system and can be extracted for upload to Illuminate and/or Mosaic.
What is the role of the Assessment Coordinator?
1) Upload user (staff) accounts
2) Verify appropriate testing windows exist
3) Communicate with Site Leaders
4) Verify student accommodations match IEP requirements for special needs students
5) Communicate status of completion percentages during testing
6) Recommend testing schedule/pacing & make-ups.
7) Answer specific questions that require input from CAASPP support
8) Process exceptions (test irregularities)
9) Communicate summary results to leadership.
Administration Process
(e.g. how the mechanics of a successful test delivery look - aka the process from start to finish of making sure each student is tested appropriately and adequately and that data flows to the right data warehouse. Could include step-by-step guides, cheat sheets, videos, calendar of deadlines, roles for all parties involved, etc.
Data Integration/Upload process
What is the technical process for accessing data and exporting it from each vendor’s proprietary system, and subsequently uploading it to our own systems?
Additional Info:
File Layout: https://www.elpac.org/s/pdf/ELPAC.student-data-layout.2018-19.pdf
Links:
ELPAC Guide
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ep/documents/elpacinfoguide.pdf
Video Overview:
https://www.elpac.org/resources/faq/
California English Language Development Standards
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/documents/eldstndspublication14.pdf
Training Videos:
https://www.elpac.org/resources/videos/archived-training-elpac-overview-english/