[CA] CALPADS FLASH #285: Guidance for TK and ELPAC (AB 2268)

Assembly Bill (AB) 2268, signed into law on June 14, 2024, has introduced significant changes to the requirements surrounding the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) and the Initial Alternate ELPAC, especially concerning Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students. The following are the main takeaways for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs):

• New Testing Requirements for TK Students:

  • TK students are no longer required to undergo the Initial ELPAC or Alternate ELPAC within 30 days of enrollment.
  • The requirement now applies only when students are enrolled in Kindergarten (KN).

• Home Language Survey (HLS):

  • LEAs must continue conducting the HLS during TK enrollment to determine if a student's primary language is something other than English.
  • If a language other than English or American Sign Language is identified, the Student English Language Acquisition (SELA) file should be updated, marking the English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) as "To Be Determined (TBD)."

• Enrollment and Data Collection:

  • TK students should be enrolled specifically under grade TK, not grade KN. Accurate enrollment is crucial due to the implications of AB 2268.
  • LEAs are encouraged to collect the initial U.S. school enrollment date for any student whose ELAS is TBD upon first registration in California public schools. This helps streamline data collection and ensures accurate records.

• Updates to CALPADS:

  • As of July 1, 2024, CALPADS will no longer send TK enrollment records to the Test Operations Management System (TOMS). TK students, therefore, will not appear in TOMS for Initial ELPAC or Initial Alternate ELPAC testing.
  • Any students who were already active in TOMS prior to this date will remain so, but LEAs are advised not to test these students.

• Program and Funding Impact:

  • Identifying students' English language status when they enroll in KN will impact programs and funding based on English learner counts.
  • LEAs should be aware of these implications and plan accordingly.

• Resources for Further Questions:

  • For HLS and EL programs, contact the CDE Language Policy and Leadership Office (lplo@cde.ca.gov)
  • For ELPAC-related queries, reach out to the CDE English Language Proficiency and Spanish Assessments Office (elpac@cde.ca.gov)

These updates are crucial for LEAs to ensure compliance with the new state requirements and to manage their TK enrollments and assessments effectively.

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