ELPAC: English Language Proficiency Assessments for California

What is ELPAC?

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or ELPAC, is the required state test for English language proficiency that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English.

State and federal laws require that local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 3 to 21). The ELPAC is aligned with California’s 2012 English Language Development Standards, and is composed of two separate ELP assessments:

  • Initial Assessment: The Initial ELPAC is the required state test for English language proficiency that is given to students whose primary language is a language other than English.

  • Summative Assessment: The annual summative assessment measures an English learner’s progress and to identify the student’s English language proficiency level.

On the state’s Starting Smarter website, parents will find information on how to use the ELPAC score report to better understand their child’s progress in learning English.

Summative ELPAC Performance Level Overview This guide provides information about the Summative ELPAC Student Score Report.

ELPAC Overview — An overview video is available in English and Spanish to provide general information about this assessment.

For additional assistance regarding English language proficiency, contact EUSD’s Language Assessment Center at lac@eusd.org.

ELPAC Parent Information Guides

The California Department of Education provides a guide for parents and guardians to answer key questions about California's assessment programs. The guide is offered in several languages below. Information is also included about how parents and guardians can support their child's success.

How Can I Help My Child Get Ready for the ELPAC?

You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child are:

  • Read to your child, or have your child read to you in English, daily.

  • Use pictures and ask your child to tell you in English what they see in the picture or what is happening in the picture.

  • Talk to your child’s teacher about the areas of learning English (listening, speaking, reading, writing) where he or she may need extra help.

  • Discuss the test with your child. Make sure he or she feels comfortable and understands the importance of taking the test.

  • Visit the Starting Smarter ELPAC website for sample questions and other test preparation support.