English Language Learner Resources
What is an English Language Learner (ELL)?
When children are registered for school in California parents have the opportunity to list if their child has a different primary language spoken at home. For example, many families in California primarily speak Spanish at home. This means that their children are primarily Spanish speakers that are learning English. This means at school the child might need additional support in the classroom while they are learning English. These students are referred to as English Language Learners or ELL for short.
Students who are identified as being an English Language Learner need to take a test called the ELPAC which stands for English Language Proficiency Assessment of California.
ELPAC - English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
Who takes this test?
Students identified as English Language Learners (ELL) take the Initial ELPAC test when they first enroll in public school in California. If the test indicates they need added support in the classroom they are identified as ELL students and receive specialized instruction from their classroom teachers. They also need to take the Summative ELPAC test every year until they pass and are reclassified as proficient in English.
Why do ELL students take this test every year?
The Summative ELPAC measures how much progress your child is making in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. This test will give you and your child’s teacher information about where they may need extra support.
When do they take this test?
ELL students take the Summative ELPAC every spring until they are fluent in English and no longer need additional support.
Why is this test important for students to and get reclassified as English proficient?
It is important ELL students pass the ELPAC test as soon as possible. In our district, SRCS, students who don't get reclassified as English proficient by the end of 6th grade need to take an additional English class in 7th grade. This means those students lose the opportunity to take an elective class. Elective classes are special interest classes like art, baking, leadership, etc.
How do students take this test?
For most students, the test is taken on a computer. For students in Kindergarten through grade 2, the Writing part of the test is taken with paper and pencil format. Students take the Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test in small groups and the Speaking part of the test one-on-one with a test examiner. Students in Kindergarten and grade 1 take the whole test one-on-one with a test examiner.
How can I help my child be prepared for the ELPAC test?
A great place to start is visiting the website provided by the state of California for parents of English Language Learners:
https://elpac.startingsmarter.org/
^This website has more detailed information about the ELPAC and test results. It also has practice questions you can do with your child. At the bottom there are additional free resources that can help you support your child’s overall learning and success in school.
Where can I find more practice test questions?
Visit the following website for more practice tests: