[CA] Key Takeaways from CALPADS Update Flash #277

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released guidance regarding the reclassification and reporting of Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) students during the summer when students are not enrolled. Below are the main points:

General Guidance

• Encouragement to Reclassify Before Summer: LEAs should aim to reclassify English learner (EL) students before the end of the school year whenever possible.
• Reclassification Criteria: Students must meet four criteria for reclassification:
  • An Overall Performance Level of 4 on the Summative ELPAC or Level 3 on the Summative Alternative ELPAC.
  • Teacher evaluation.
  • Parent consultation and approval.
  • Basic skills comparison to English proficient students.
• Challenges with Timing: Students assessed with the Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC in the spring might not have their results before the school year ends, delaying reclassification decisions.

Reporting RFEP Status

• Overlap Requirement: For accurate tracking and public reporting, the RFEP start date must overlap with the student's enrollment period.
• SELA0652 Trigger: The SELA0652 error will occur if the RFEP start date does not overlap with an enrollment period.

Specific Scenarios for RFEP Start Dates

1. Reclassified Before School Ends:

   • Scenario: Student reclassified before the end of the school year while still enrolled.
   • RFEP Start Date: Date of the last signature on the reclassification form.
   • Reclassification Count: Counts in the current school year if certified in the EOY 3 report.

2. Reclassified After School Ends (Not Re-Enrolling):

   • Scenario: Student reclassified after school ends and will not re-enroll.
   • RFEP Start Date: Last day the student was enrolled in the prior school year where the student was enrolled.
   • Reclassification Count: Counts in the current school year if certified in the EOY 3 report.

3. Reclassified After School Ends (Will Re-Enroll):

   • Scenario: Student reclassified after July 1 but before the next school year begins and will re-enroll in the same school.
   • RFEP Start Date: Last day the student was enrolled in the prior school year where the student was enrolled.
   • Reclassification Count: Counts in the current school year if certified in the EOY 3 report.

4. Reclassified After School Ends (enrolled in Same School):

   • Scenario: Student reclassified after July 1 and enrolled in the same school for the next school year.
   • RFEP Start Date: Date of the last signature on the reclassification form where the student is now enrolled.
   • Reclassification Count: Counts in the next school year if certified in the EOY 3 report.

5. Reclassified After School Ends (Different School):

   • Scenario: Student reclassified after July 1 and enrolled in a different school for the next school year.
   • RFEP Start Date: Date of the last signature on the reclassification form where the student is now enrolled.
   • Reclassification Count: Counts in the next school year if certified in the EOY 3 report.

Additional Notes

• Annual Reclassification Rate Reports: RFEP status must be entered and certified before the close of the EOY 3 data submission to be included in the reports.
• Reference to Flash 219: The guidance provided is consistent with previous guidelines from Flash 219.

By following these guidelines, LEAs can ensure that the reclassification of EL students is handled accurately and timely, even during the summer when students are not enrolled in school.

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