Reclassification
Information on how a district determines whether or not an English learner student has sufficient English proficiency to be reclassified as a fluent English speaker.Reclassification is the process whereby a student is reclassified from English learner status to fluent English proficient (RFEP) status. Local educational agencies (LEAs) determine when the student has met the four criteria listed in Education Code (EC) Section 313 (f)
, in accordance with the California Department of Education (CDE).
Legislation
Reclassification procedures shall utilize multiple criteria in determining whether to reclassify a pupil as proficient in English, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
- Assessment of language proficiency using an objective assessment instrument, including, but not limited to, the English language development test that is developed or acquired pursuant to Section 60810.
- Teacher evaluation, including, but not limited to, a review of the pupil's curriculum mastery.
- Parental opinion and consultation.
- Comparison of the performance of the pupil in basic skills against an empirically established range of performance in basic skills based upon the performance of English proficient pupils of the same age, that demonstrates whether the pupil is sufficiently proficient in English to participate effectively in a curriculum designed for pupils of the same age whose native language is English.
EC Section 313(f)
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment requirements are specified in California Education Code sections 313, 60810, and 60812.
EC Section 60810
California law requires that the assessment for initial identification of an English learner and the summative assessment shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of achievement of these pupils in English reading, speaking, and written skills.
Letters to the Field
COVID-19 Reclassification Guidance for 2019–20 and Fall Administration (July 1, 2020)
This letter provides guidance regarding ELPAC testing and reclassifying students from English learner to fluent English proficient status for 2019–20.
Letter to Local Educational Agencies Regarding the Monitoring of Reclassified Students (December 20, 2019)
This letter reminds local educational agencies about requirements of monitoring reclassified students.
Reclassification Guidance for 2019–20 (September 2, 2019)
This letter provides guidance to local educational agencies regarding reclassifying students from English learner to fluent English proficient status.
Updated Letter to Local Educational Agencies Regarding Reclassification Guidance for 2018–19 (January 18, 2019)
This letter updates the guidance previously provided to local educational agencies regarding reclassifying students from English learner to fluent English proficient status.
Letter to Local Educational Agencies Regarding Interim Reclassification Guidance for 2018–19 (September 14, 2018)
This letter updates to interim guidance provided to local educational agencies regarding reclassifying students from English learner to fluent English proficient status.
Letter to Local Educational Agencies Regarding Interim Reclassification Guidance for 2017–18 (January 2, 2018)
This letter updates to interim guidance provided to local educational agencies regarding reclassifying students from English learner to fluent English proficient status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Additional Resources
Reclassification FAQs
The above link provides frequently asked questions regarding English learner reclassification.
English Learners Resources Web Page
The above link provides FAQs regarding English learners in California and appropriate teacher authorizations and links to websites with information about developing programs for linguistically and culturally diverse students.
Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) Instrument California Department of Education (CDE) Web Page
The California Department of Education Monitoring Tool (CMT) is a web-based system, which allows LEAs to facilitate a response to state and federal requirements for program monitoring.
U.S. Department of Education English Learner Toolkit Web Page
Office of English Language Acquisition’s EL Tool Kit was published in 2015 as a companion to support the January 7, 2015 Dear Colleague Letter
(PDF) produced by the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and the Department of Justice, outlining legal obligations for English learner students. Some chapters of the tool kit have been updated related to the Every Student Succeeds Act
of 2015 (ESSA).
