TK Multilingual Learner Screening

Background | Approved List of Screening Instruments | Next Steps | Screening Requirements | Request for Information | Implementation Timeline | Legal References | FAQs | Contact Information

Update

Assembly Bill (AB) 2467 (Chapter 608, Statutes of 2026) has been signed into law, amending California Education Code (EC) Section 48004 to update the implementation timeline for the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Multilingual Learner (ML) Screening Instruments. The updated timeline is as follows:

• Voluntary field test: 2027–28 school year
• Required statewide screening: beginning the 2028–29 school year

As stipulated in  EC Section 48004, the California Department of Education (CDE) will make developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screening instruments available to local educational agencies at no cost for the field test and statewide implementation. Additional guidance and resources will follow and will be shared through this web page and the TK ML Screener listserv as they become available.

Questions may be directed to TKMLScreener@cde.ca.gov.

AB 2467

Background

Pursuant to EC Section 48004, the Legislature recognized that with the expansion of TK, there is an increased need to support California’s youngest ML students, including pupils whose primary language is a language other than English, pupils who are learning two or more languages at the same time, and pupils who are learning a second language while still developing their first language. The Legislature affirmed that the languages and cultures that pupils bring with them are an asset to their learning communities and should be uplifted and celebrated. Research demonstrates the cognitive, economic, and long-term benefits of multilingualism and multiliteracy.

The CDE shall, with approval from the Executive Director of the State Board of Education (SBE), establish an approved screening instruments list and implementation guidelines to support local educational agencies (LEAs) in meeting these statutory requirements, ensuring that MLs in TK who need language development support are identified using a developmentally appropriate instrument.

Approved List of Screening Instruments

In accordance with statutory deadline established by EC Section 48004(b)(1)(A), the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) with approval of the Executive Director of the SBE has selected the following screening instruments.

These screening instruments were selected following a rigorous evaluation process led by staff and subject-matter experts from CDE and SBE. The panel evaluated submissions against the five statutory requirements in EC Section 48004(d) and implementation readiness criteria.

Next Steps

2027–28 School Year: Voluntary Field Testing

LEAs may voluntarily participate in field testing of the approved screening instruments during the 2027–28 school year. Information about field test participation, training, and technical assistance will be provided to LEAs following contract execution with approved vendors.

2028–29 School Year: Mandatory Statewide Implementation

Beginning in the 2028–29 school year, all LEAs serving students in TK shall screen eligible students using an approved screening instrument from the list above.

Screening Requirements

Commencing with the 2028–29 school year, all LEAs serving students in TK shall screen TK students whose primary language is a language other than English, as indicated on a home language survey (HLS) administered upon the student's enrollment. Students must be screened within 30 days of enrollment in a TK program using an approved screening instrument from the list above.

Note: Results of screening administered pursuant to EC Section 48004 shall not be used for any of the following:

• To identify a pupil as an English learner (EL) pursuant to EC Section 306
• Any high-stakes purpose, including, but not limited to, teacher or other school staff evaluation, accountability, pupil grade promotion or retention, identification for gifted or talented education, reclassification of EL students, or identification as an individual with exceptional needs

Request for Information

Pursuant to EC Section 48004, the CDE invited interested parties to submit screening instruments for consideration and potential inclusion on the state's approved list.

Please see the document linked below for information about the screening instrument submission process.

• Request for Information (RFI) (DOCX)

Implementation Timeline

December 1, 2025, by 4:00 PM PST: Complete RFI submission due
March 2026: Selected screening instruments list made available
2027–28 School Year: Voluntary implementation via field test
2028–29 School Year: Mandatory statewide implementation begins

Legal References

• California EC Section 48004
• AB 2467 (Chapter 608, Statutes of 2026) — Elementary and Secondary Education: Omnibus amending EC Section 48004

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These FAQs address the TK ML screener requirement under EC 48004 and are distinct from the TK Multilingual Students FAQs, which address TK students' exemption from the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) under Assembly Bill (AB) 2268.

General Overview

1. What is the TK ML screening requirement?

   EC Section 48004 (AB 121, Chapter 8, Statutes of 2025) requires the SSPI, with approval from the Executive Director of the SBE, to select developmentally appropriate TK ML screening instruments and make them available to LEAs at no cost. EC Section 48004 was enacted following AB 2268, which exempted TK students from the ELPAC. Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, all LEAs serving TK students must screen each TK student whose HLS indicates a primary language other than English, within 30 days of enrollment in TK.

2. Which screening instruments has the SSPI selected?

   Two instruments were selected through a formal RFI and panel review process:

   • IPT Early Childhood — published by Ballard & Tighe Publishers
   • preLAS — published by Data Recognition Corporation (DRC)

   LEAs will be able to choose between the two approved instruments based on the option that best fits their local context. Each LEA’s choice of instrument will be provided at no cost to the LEA.

3. How is TK ML screening different from the ELPAC?

   TK ML screening and the ELPAC are separate processes that serve different purposes. TK ML screening identifies TK students who could benefit from language development support during their TK year. The Initial ELPAC, by contrast, is administered upon enrollment in kindergarten and is used to determine EL classification under EC sections 313 and 60810. TK students remain exempt from the ELPAC. A student identified as a TK ML during TK will still go through the Initial ELPAC process upon entering kindergarten.

4. Will TK ML screening results be used to identify students as ELs?

   EC Section 48004(f)(1) explicitly prohibits using TK ML screening results for EL identification under EC Section 306 or for any high-stakes purpose. This includes — but is not limited to — teacher evaluation, school or district accountability, grade retention, gifted identification, EL reclassification, and special education identification.

5. Will my LEA have to pay for the screening instruments or training — for the field test or for statewide implementation?

   No. Pursuant to EC Section 48004(b)(2)(A), the CDE is acquiring the approved screening instruments and training materials centrally and making them available to LEAs at no cost — for both the 2027–28 field test and 2028–29 mandatory statewide implementation.

Implementation Timeline

6. When is my LEA required to start using the screening instruments?

   Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, all LEAs serving TK students must screen each TK student whose HLS indicates a primary language other than English, within 30 days of enrollment in TK.

7. When does the 30-day screening window begin?

   For purposes of EC Section 48004, the 30-day screening window begins with the student’s first day of attendance in TK.

Voluntary Field Testing (2027–28)

8. How can my LEA participate in voluntary field testing?

   LEAs interested in participating in the voluntary field test during the 2027–28 school year may complete the TK ML Screener Field Test LEA Interest Form by November 30, 2026.

   Important notes for completing the form:

   • The form must be completed by a district-level administrator or a designee with district authority to commit the LEA to participation.
   • Submitting the form does not guarantee selection. The CDE will contact selected LEAs with next steps.
   • The two approved screening instruments are IPT Early Childhood (Ballard & Tighe Publishers) and preLAS (Data Recognition Corporation).

9. How does my LEA access the field test screening materials?

   LEAs selected to participate in the field test will receive the screening instruments and accompanying training materials through the CDE's process, at no cost. The CDE is acquiring the instruments centrally, so participating LEAs do not need to procure materials on their own. The CDE will share ordering, training, and access details directly with selected field test LEAs.

10. Can my LEA order field test materials directly from the publishers?

    LEAs selected to participate in the field test do not need to procure the approved screening instruments for the field test to meet the EC Section 48004 screening requirement. The CDE is acquiring the instruments centrally and providing them at no cost, consistent with EC Section 48004(b)(2)(A)(i). LEAs selected for the field test will access the state-acquired instruments and accompanying training through the CDE's process. This guidance applies specifically to LEA participation in the field test pursuant to EC Section 48004 screening; it does not affect any independent business relationship an LEA may have with a publisher for other purposes.

11. Can my LEA choose to have only some of our schools participate in field testing?

    Yes. LEAs may indicate on the TK ML Screener Field Test LEA Interest Form which schools are interested in participating. However, it is encouraged that whole districts participate. The form must be completed by November 30, 2026, by a district-level administrator or designee with authority to commit the LEA to participation.

12. Can my LEA administer both screening instruments during field testing?

    No. Each participating LEA will administer one screening instrument during the field test. The purpose of the field test is to identify implementation gaps and support needs, not to compare the two instruments against each other. Following the field test, the CDE will make a field test insights document available so that LEAs can review how training and implementation occurred for each screener.

13. To participate in the field test, does my LEA need to send a vendor contract to CDE?

    No. To participate in the no-cost field test administered by the CDE, LEAs do not need to enter into a separate contract with either publisher. The CDE is acquiring the screening instruments centrally, and field test participants will receive materials and training through the CDE's process. The only step required at this time is completing the TK ML Screener Field Test LEA Interest Form by November 30, 2026.

14. Can the screener be administered during the summer, like the Initial ELPAC?

    Summer administration is not recommended. For purposes of EC Section 48004, the 30-day screening window begins with the student's first day of attendance in TK. Additionally, TK students experience significant developmental change between the beginning of summer and the start of the school year, and screening results obtained during the summer may not accurately reflect a student's language development at the time TK begins.

Eligibility and Administration

15. Which TK students must be screened?

    Per EC Section 48004(c)(1)(A) and (e), LEAs must screen each TK student whose HLS indicates a primary language other than English, within 30 days of enrollment in TK. The HLS is the sole trigger for screening eligibility.

16. Who may administer the screening instrument?

    Per EC Section 48004(d)(4), classroom teachers or other adults assigned to the TK student's classroom may administer the screening instrument. This may include paraprofessionals, instructional aides, and other assigned classroom adults who have received appropriate training in the LEA's selected screening instrument.

17. Are these instruments appropriate for TK students whose primary language is not Spanish?

    Yes. Both IPT Early Childhood and preLAS were evaluated and selected for use with all TK students whose HLS indicates a primary language other than English, regardless of what that primary language is. The construct being measured is English language listening and speaking proficiency. See also the question below about the "Languages" column on the approved screener list.

18. How does TK ML screening work for fully virtual or remote schools?

    Both approved instruments are designed for individual administration by a trained adult and use physical materials (for example, IPT Early Childhood uses a Story Board and Story Pieces; preLAS uses a Cue Picture Book). The CDE is developing guidance on administration in virtual and remote school settings and will share additional information with the field as it becomes available.

19. What if a TK student transfers between LEAs mid-year?

    The CDE is developing guidance on how LEAs should handle TK students who transfer between LEAs mid-year, including scenarios where the receiving LEA uses a different approved screening instrument than the originating LEA. Additional information will be shared in advance of the 2028–29 mandatory implementation year.

20. Are accommodations available for TK students with disabilities?

    Accommodations that are in place for a child during the normal course of the day should also be in place for the administration of the TK ML screener. The child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) should outline accommodations that should be utilized. Both publishers will include administration guidance specific to their instruments. Additional information will be shared in advance of the 2028–29 mandatory implementation year.

21. Do TK students take both this screening instrument and the ELPAC?

    No. TK students remain exempt from the ELPAC under EC sections 313 and 60810, as amended by AB 2268. TK ML screening occurs during TK; the Initial ELPAC is administered upon enrollment in kindergarten.

Understanding Screening Results

22. How are TK students identified as MLs based on screening results?

    The CDE intends to use the proficiency threshold(s) recommended by each instrument’s publisher to indicate which TK students could benefit from language development support, consistent with the definition of TK ML in EC Section 48004(i)(5). Specific threshold guidance for each approved instrument will be shared in advance of the 2028–29 mandatory implementation year.

23. Are LEAs required to report TK ML screening results to the CDE or to the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS)?

    No. As EC Section 48004 is currently written, LEAs are not required to report TK ML screening results to the CDE or through the CALPADS. The CDE will notify LEAs if any reporting requirements are added in the future.

24. Will TK ML identification affect LEA funding?

    No. There is currently no funding tied to TK ML screening results. TK ML identification under EC Section 48004 is a distinct designation from EL classification under EC Section 306 and does not by itself affect Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) or Title III funding.

25. Will TK ML screening change a TK student's English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) designation in CALPADS?

    No. TK students whose HLS indicates a primary language other than English will continue to be coded as “To Be Determined (TBD)” in CALPADS, consistent with the existing Interim Guidance on Transitional Kindergarten Students and English Language Proficiency Testing. A student’s ELAS designation is determined upon completion of the Initial ELPAC after enrollment in kindergarten, per EC sections 313 and 60810. TK ML screening results do not change a student’s ELAS designation.

26. How does TK ML screening apply to children dually enrolled in TK and a California State Preschool Program (CSPP)?

    TK ML screening under EC Section 48004 and Dual Language Learner (DLL) identification under the CSPP’s Family Language Instrument are separate determinations made under different programs. A child dually enrolled in TK and a CSPP for Extended Learning and Care is subject to both processes: the TK ML screening (administered by the LEA based on the HLS) and the Family Language Instrument (administered by the CSPP contractor for DLL identification). Neither determination establishes EL designation, which occurs through the Initial ELPAC upon enrollment in kindergarten. Visit the existing TK Multilingual Students FAQs for additional information about CSPP DLL identification.

27. Are LEAs required to notify parents or guardians of TK ML screening results?

    EC Section 48004 does not require LEAs to notify parents or guardians of TK ML screening results. The CDE encourages LEAs to communicate with parents and guardians about their child's language development and the benefits of multilingualism, consistent with the legislative intent of EC Section 48004(a)(7).

About the Approved Instruments

28. What does "English and Spanish" mean in the "Languages" column on the approved screener list?

    The "Languages" column refers to the languages in which each instrument is currently published. For TK ML screening under EC Section 48004, the construct measured is English language proficiency — specifically, listening and speaking skills. The approved use is the English version of each instrument, which can be administered to any TK student whose HLS indicates a language other than English, regardless of which primary language that is.

    Both publishers also offer separate Spanish versions of their instruments. Those Spanish versions are standalone instruments designed to assess Spanish language proficiency and are used in other contexts, such as dual language and bilingual education programs. They are not translations of the English versions and are not approved for TK ML screening use.

    Multilingual availability was shared, as it is also relevant to indicate the language support provided for administration. For example, an examiner or multilingual staff member may use a child's home language to put them at ease and explain the purpose of the screening before the English language screening begins. The screening itself measures the child's English skills.

29. How will my LEA decide between IPT Early Childhood and preLAS?

    The CDE is developing informational materials, including instrument overviews, to help LEAs select the instrument that best fits their local context. Further details will be shared in advance of the statewide instrument selection process.

30. Are one-page overviews of each instrument available?

    Overviews from the CDE are not yet available. The CDE is developing materials and will share them with the field as they are completed.

31. Can my LEA receive sample screener materials in advance?

    Sample materials are not yet available. The CDE is in the initial stages of acquiring the screening instruments and will share informational materials, including instrument overviews, with the field as they become available.

Questions from Current Users of IPT Early Childhood or preLAS

32. Can my LEA continue using IPT Early Childhood or preLAS for its current purposes?

    In general, current uses of these instruments (for example, in dual language or bilingual program placement) are distinct from the TK ML screening required by EC Section 48004 and may continue. Additional information will be shared as the CDE's acquisition process progresses.

33. My LEA has an existing contract with one of the publisher. What should we do?

    Existing contracts between LEAs and publishers for other purposes are independent business relationships and are not affected by EC Section 48004. The CDE is acquiring the screening instruments centrally so that LEAs can meet the EC Section 48004 TK ML screening requirement at no cost beginning in 2028–29. LEAs that currently use IPT Early Childhood or preLAS for other purposes (for example, dual language program placement) may continue those uses under their existing arrangements. Additional information about how the state-acquired instruments will be made available, and how that may interact with current local use, will be shared as the CDE's acquisition process progresses.

Contact and Updates

34. Where can my LEA get the most current information?

    The TK Multilingual Learner Screening web page is the CDE's primary source for updates. These FAQs will be updated as additional information becomes available.

35. Who should my LEA contact with questions?

    Please contact the Language Policy and Leadership Office, Multilingual Support Division, at TKMLScreener@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0845.

Contact Information

For more information on the TK Multilingual Learner Screening implementation, please email the Language Policy and Leadership Office at TKMLScreener@cde.ca.gov.