[CA] CALPADS Flash #272: Initial US Enroll Date for English Learners

In the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS), the accuracy and timeliness of data submission play crucial roles in the effective management of educational programs and compliance with state mandates. One such critical piece of data is Field 2.36 - Student Initial US School Enrollment Date K-12, which pertains to students identified as English Learners (EL). Here are the key takeaways from the CALPADS Update Flash #272 dated May 22, 2024, which emphasizes the importance of this field:

Importance of Accurate Data Entry

• Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) Identification: The initial US school enrollment date is a determining factor in identifying Long-Term English Learners. This highlights the need for precise data entry to ensure appropriate support and resources are allocated to these students.

• Exemption from Standardized Testing: English learners in their first 12 months of schooling in the US are eligible for a one-time exemption from the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the CAASPP assessment. Accurately populating Field 2.36 helps avoid unnecessary testing for these students.

Strategies for Accurate Data Population

• Registration Processes: Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are advised to collect the initial US school enrollment date at the time of registering new students or those transferring from another California public school. This ensures the date is captured and entered into CALPADS right from the start.

• Data Transfer Between LEAs: When students transfer between LEAs, it's crucial to verify and update the initial US school enrollment date from prior records available in CALPADS, facilitating seamless data continuity and accuracy.

Current Validations and Rules

• Certification Validation Rule (CVR): Rules like CERT113 ensure that LEAs populate the initial enrollment date for EL students both during the end of the year (EOY 3) submissions. Missing this crucial data can lead to fatal errors in the submission process, impacting funding and compliance.

• Input Validation Rule (IVR) and Data Discrepancy (DD) Validations: Additional checks like IVR SINF0059 and DD SENR0654E3 are in place to ensure the plausibility and chronological accuracy of the reported dates, preventing common errors such as reporting an enrollment date before the student is eligible for kindergarten or when a student's enrollment date is greater than the earliest enrollment in CALPADS.

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