[CA] Key Takeaways from CALPADS Update Flash #279: Summer ELAS Status'

The California Department of Education recently released the CALPADS Update Flash #279, providing essential guidance on assessing students for English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) during the summer months. This update is critical for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in managing their workload and ensuring that English Learners (EL) receive timely and appropriate services. Here are the key takeaways:

Assessing Students During July and August

• ELPAC Testing Window: The Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) and the Initial Alternate ELPAC for the 2024-25 school year open on July 3, 2024.
• Early Assessment: LEAs are encouraged to assess eligible students in July and August to streamline their workload and ensure that EL students receive necessary services from the first day of school.

Which Students to Assess

• Kindergarten Students: LEAs should prioritize assessing incoming kindergarten students who have never been assessed with the Initial ELPAC/Alternate ELPAC. This allows LEAs to plan and provide support for EL students from the beginning of the school year.
• Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Students: Due to Assembly Bill 2268, TK students are exempt from the Initial ELPAC/Alternate ELPAC and the summative assessments. LEAs should ensure that TK students are enrolled in the correct grade level (TK) to comply with this legislation.

Process for Assessing Students During the Summer

1. Pre-Enrollment in CALPADS:

   • Check SSID and ELAS: Determine if incoming kindergarten students already have a Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and an ELAS in CALPADS to avoid redundant testing.
   • Request SSID: If a student does not have an SSID, request one and pre-enroll the student by submitting the necessary records.

2. Submit Required Records:

   • Student Enrollment (SENR) Record: Include the expected first day of school as the enrollment state date.
   • Student English Language Acquisition (SELA) Record: Use an ELAS code of TBD (To be Determined) and a primary language code other than English.
   • Student Information (SINF) Record: Include the student’s mailing address for mailing Student Score Reports (SSRs) and populate the Initial US School Enrollment Date K-12 with the expected first day of school.

3. Post-Assessment Updates:

   • Update ELAS Status: After students complete the Initial ELPAC or Initial Alternate ELPAC, their ELAS status is updated in CALPADS. LEAs should then update their local student information systems (SIS) accordingly.

4. Exit Non-Enrolling Students:

   • Exit Procedure: For students assessed but not enrolling in the fall, LEAs should exit these students with an N470 exit code. Failure to do so will result in these students showing up as needing to be tested with the Summative ELPAC/Alternate ELPAC.

Special Considerations for Sign Language

• American Sign Language (ASL): Students with ASL as their primary language should have a SELA record with an ELAS code of EO (English Only) and a primary language code of sgn (Sign Languages).
• Other Sign Languages: Students using other sign languages should have a SELA record with an ELAS code of TBD and a primary language code of sgn. These students are eligible for the Initial ELPAC and, if applicable, the Initial Alternate ELPAC.
• New ASL Code: Starting in 2024-25, a new language code (ase) for American Sign Language will be implemented, requiring updates to current submission practices.

Conclusion

The CALPADS Update Flash #279 provides comprehensive guidance for LEAs to effectively assess and support English Learners during the summer months. By following these guidelines, LEAs can ensure that students receive the necessary support and services from the beginning of the school year, promoting a more efficient and responsive educational environment.

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