The California Department of Education (CDE) has released CALPADS Update Flash #311, detailing major improvements to how Long-Term English Learner (LTEL) data is identified and reported through the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS). These updates help local educational agencies (LEAs) support English learners and track LTELs more effectively.
There are two definitions of LTELs in California Education Code, each serving different purposes:
EC Section 313.1:
Used for state assessments (CAASPP/ELPAC) and reported via DataQuest and SOARS.
EC Section 52052:
Used to define LTELs for the California School Dashboard. CALPADS now includes tools to identify students under this definition for 2024 reporting.
The update focuses on EC Section 52052, which defines LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years of initial classification as English learners.
To support this definition, CALPADS introduced new data fields and reporting features beginning April 2025:
| Field # | Field Name | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | English Learner Acquisition Status Start Date | SELA | EL status start date |
| 45 | Provisional LTEL Start Date | Calculated | Date student becomes or would become LTEL |
| 46 | Initial US School Enrollment Date K-12 | SINF | First U.S. school date |
| 47 | Earliest SENR Enrollment Start Date | SENR | First enrollment in CALPADS |
| 48 | Earliest EL Status Start Date | SELA | First date classified as EL |
The Provisional LTEL Start Date helps identify both current LTELs and English learners at risk of becoming LTELs. For students already reclassified (RFEP), the field will only be filled in if the LTEL date is before the RFEP date.
Two cohort reports have been updated:
Report 15.1 – Count and Rate: Added LTEL indicator filter
Report 15.2 – Student List: Added LTEL filter and Y/N column
Eligibility rules for LTEL inclusion in these reports:
Student was an EL during the 4-year cohort
Became LTEL before the cohort end date
LTEL Start Date is earlier than RFEP date
| RFEP Date | LTEL Date | Included in Cohort? |
|---|---|---|
| 8/25/2025 | 8/16/2025 | No (after cohort ends) |
| 10/1/2024 | 8/15/2025 | No (RFEP before LTEL) |
| 10/1/2024 | 11/1/2023 | Yes (RFEP after LTEL) |
Further improvements to LTEL visibility are scheduled, including:
Report 1.21 – Cumulative Enrollment Count (EOY): Add LTEL indicator
Report 8.1 – Student Profile List (EOY): Add LTEL column
Additional enhancements will be introduced based on LEA needs.
These updates mark a major step forward in helping schools identify and support students with persistent English language needs. By making LTEL tracking real-time, automated, and better integrated into cohort reports, LEAs can take earlier action to prevent students from falling behind.
Learn more about how the MeasureED Team provides CALPADS Support by connecting with a CALPADS Consultant today!