English language proficiency/development (ELP/ELD)

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the state-mandated assessment used to measure the English language proficiency of English learners (ELs) in California. The ELPAC is aligned to the California English Language Development (ELD) Standards, which define the levels of English proficiency that ELs should achieve in order to succeed in school.

The ELPAC is a computer-adaptive test that measures ELs’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The test is administered to ELs in grades K-12. The ELPAC results are used to inform instructional planning for ELs and to monitor their progress in English language development.

Schools and teachers in California are held accountable for ensuring the progress of ELs by meeting the following state requirements:

• ELs must be assessed annually with the ELPAC.
• Schools must develop and implement an English language development (ELD) plan for each EL.
• Schools must provide ELs with access to high-quality instruction that meets their individual needs.

The ELPAC results can be used to inform the ELD plan for each EL. The ELD plan should identify the EL’s strengths and weaknesses in English language proficiency, and it should outline the steps that will be taken to help the EL meet the state’s English language proficiency standards.

The ELPAC results can also be used to monitor the progress of ELs over time. By tracking the EL’s scores on the ELPAC, schools and teachers can see how the EL is progressing in English language development. This information can be used to make adjustments to the ELD plan as needed.

In addition to the ELPAC, there are a number of other ELP/ELD assessments that can be used to measure the English language proficiency of ELs. These assessments include:

• The ACCESS for ELLs
• The WIDA ELP
• The ELLPAC

The choice of which ELP/ELD assessment to use will depend on a number of factors, including the grade level of the EL, the EL’s native language, and the resources available to the school.