Initial Alternate ELPAC

The Initial Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is used to measure a student’s English language proficiency. The Initial Alternate ELPAC helps identify how well students can listen, read, write, and speak in English. This information helps educators provide students the resources they need to be successful.

Students may use their preferred communication modes—such as eye gaze, pointing, or gesture among others—used in daily instruction to respond to receptive (listening and reading) and expressive (speaking and writing) test questions.

Upon enrolling in a California public school for the first time, students in kindergarten through grade twelve complete a Home Language Survey. Students who have a primary language other than English on the Home Language Survey, and whose individualized education program (IEP) designates the use of an alternate assessment to measure learning, will take the Initial Alternate ELPAC. The Initial Alternate ELPAC determines whether they need English language support or are fluent in English.

Students receive an overall score and a performance level. There are three different performance levels.

Level 3: Fluent English Proficient Level 2: Intermediate English Learner Level 1: Novice English Learner

Students who receive an overall level of 1 or 2, are identified as an English Learner and will need support learning English. Students who receive an overall level of 3, initial fluent English proficient, will not need to take the Summative Alternate ELPAC.