English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
California’s statewide test for English language proficiency.Program 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 local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The California Department of Education (CDE) 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.
The following links provide additional information about the program:
ELPAC – CalEdFacts web page provides a more detailed overview of the test.
California Assessment Timeline (PDF) presents the assessment administration timeline for the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23 school years.
Assessment System Chart (PDF) lists the tests of the 2020–21 California assessment system by subject content, test name, test type, student participant groups, grade levels, and testing window timeframe.
Assessment Spotlight web page contains archives of all previous Assessment Spotlight emails. Send a blank email to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov to receive regular updates on the latest information about the statewide assessment system.
Assessments
Resources and Communication Materials
2020–21 ELPAC Information Guide (PDF)
Talking to Parents About the ELPAC (PPTX; 3MB)
Charla con los padres acerca de las ELPAC (PPTX; 15MB)
ELPAC Overview Video: English 
(Video; 16:06)
Video en español de reseña de las ELPAC (Video; 18:28)
Available ELPAC Resources flyer (PDF)
Talking to Educators About the ELPAC (PPTX; 13MB)
2020–2021 COVID-19 Guidance for Reclassification (PDF)
English-Spanish Education and Assessment Glossary
Translation glossary for assessment-related communications prepared by the CDE.
Accessibility Resources
ELPAC Accessibility Resources Video (Video; 17:58)
California Assessment Assessibility Resources Matrix
The matrix displays the embedded and non-embedded universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations (UDAs) allowed as part of the CAASPP and ELPAC for 2020–21. Also used in conjunction with the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California Accessibility for Operational Testing (DOCX).
- 2019–2020 California Student Assessment Accessibility for the ELPAC, Computer-based (PDF)
- 2019–2020 California Student Assessment Accessibility for the ELPAC, Paper-Pencil (PDF)
ELPAC Administration Student Accessibility Checklist (PDF)
ELPAC Administration Guidance and Governing Definitions for Student Accessibility Discussions (PDF)
Test Administration
ELPAC Administration Research Files
Test Administration Coordination website
ELPAC Coordinator Checklist (DOCX)
Scores and Results Reporting
Starting Smarter
Now families have a new website for resources to support their child’s learning. The Starting Smarter website includes information on student score reports, sample test questions, parent-teacher conferences, and other no-cost resources in English and Spanish.
Technical Documents
- The Definitions of Task Types (PDF) in the ELPAC blueprints are designed to be aligned with California’s 2012 English Language Development Standards, which were developed to correspond to the 2010 California Common Core State Standards. The Initial task types and blueprints were approved and adopted by the State Board of Education on November 4, 2015.
- 2012 California English Language Development Standards
- Correspondence Study Report (PDF)
- Integrating the CA ELD Standards into K–12 Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning: A Supplementary Resource for Educators Implementing the California English Language Development Standards, the California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools (DOC; 16-Dec-2015)
- Educational Testing Service conducted a study to determine the viability of transitioning the ELPAC, a paper-pencil test, to a Computer-Based Assessment (PDF; 2MB).
- Accessibility and Usability for the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California: A Cognitive Lab Study with Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Students Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision (PDF; 1MB)
