Initial ELPAC

The Initial ELPAC is the required state test for English Language Proficiency (ELP) that is given to students whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law requires that local educational agencies (LEAs) administer a state test for ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The purpose of the Initial ELPAC is to determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time. Identifying students who need help learning in English is important so students get the support they need to do well in school while receiving instruction in all school subjects.

Resources and Communication Materials

The Correction of Classification Process – At-a-Glance (PDF)

Initial ELPAC At-a-Glance (PDF)

Initial ELPAC Assessment Fact Sheet (PDF)

Test Administration

Initial ELPAC Participation and Scoring (PDF)
A resource designed to provide testing scenarios that indicate when a student is counted toward participation and receives a Student Score Report.

ELPAC Domain Information Sheets

How to Enter Domain Exemptions (PDF)

Scores and Results Reporting

The Initial ELPAC 2021–22 Scale Score Ranges document provides the Overall scale score ranges and the weighting of the Overall score by grade/grade span.

• Initial ELPAC 2021–22 Scale Score Ranges (PDF)

Laws, Regulations, and Requirements

The administration of an English language proficiency assessment is required by law.

California Education Code Section 313
California Education Code Section 60810

Final regulations were adopted by the Office of Administrative Law for the ELPAC administration; see California Code of Regulations, Title 5, sections 11517.6 through 11519.5 .

Technical Documents

• Initial ELPAC General Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs)
• ELPAC Iniciales PLDs Generales
• Definition of Task Types (PDF)
• Test Blueprints for the Initial ELPAC (PDF)
• Initial ELPAC Threshold Score Review Study Final Report (DOCX)
• 2021–22 Inital ELPAC Technical Report (DOCX)
• 2020–21 Initial ELPAC Technical Report (DOCX)
• Computer-based Initial ELPAC Fall 2019 Field Test Technical Report (PDF)
  
  
  • Appendix 3 (PDF)
  • Appendix 6 (PDF; 2MB)
  • Appendix 7 (PDF)
  • Appendix 9 (PDF)