CALPADS Update Flash #333 announces an immediate change to English learner reclassification criteria. Under Assembly Bill 2555, Local Educational Agencies must now reclassify eligible students as Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) based solely on the required score from the Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC.
This change affects both student services and CALPADS reporting. Therefore, multilingual education, assessment, student information system, and CALPADS teams should coordinate their review process now.
What Changed for English Learner Reclassification?
Previously, LEAs used several locally reviewed criteria when making reclassification decisions. Flash #333 explains that eligible students now meet the state reclassification requirement through their performance on the Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC.
As a result, LEAs should identify currently enrolled students who met the required 2025–26 assessment performance level but have not yet been reclassified.
This change can affect Fall 1 records, student assessment participation, and the services students receive. Completing the work promptly helps teams start the year with accurate English Language Acquisition Status, or ELAS, records.
Required LEA Actions
LEAs should take the following steps:
- Download the 2025–26 ELPAC Students Meeting Reclassification Criteria 1 Report from TOMS.
- Review the report to identify currently enrolled students who meet the reclassification requirement.
- Update eligible students in the local student information system to RFEP.
- Submit a Student English Language Acquisition, or SELA, record to CALPADS.
- Confirm that the updated record posts successfully and matches the local system.
For the 2026–27 school year, submit the RFEP SELA record with an ELAS Start Date between September 27, 2026, and January 31, 2027. The date must fall within the student’s enrollment period. It also cannot match the student’s Enrollment Start Date.
Key Dates to Know
| Date | Required action |
|---|---|
| October 2026 | CDE strongly encourages LEAs to complete eligible reclassifications during October. |
| January 31, 2027 | LEAs must reclassify all eligible students. |
| Spring 2028 | CALPADS will begin automated RFEP reporting with the release of 2027–28 summative assessment results. |
Completing reclassification in October can help LEAs report accurate information for Fall 1 Census Day. It can also prevent students from appearing unnecessarily in ELPAC testing processes.
Who Does Not Need an Update?
Students who were already reclassified and certified in the 2025–26 End-of-Year 1 submission do not need a new change because of Flash #333.
However, LEAs should still review their local records carefully. The goal is to identify students who met the required assessment level, remain enrolled, and have not yet received an RFEP status.
Build a Cross-Team Process
English learner reclassification should not sit with one person. Assessment staff can identify eligible students through TOMS. Multilingual program staff can confirm the student list. SIS and CALPADS staff can then update and validate records.
Clear ownership matters because a correct student decision must also result in a correct CALPADS record. A short working session between these teams can reduce duplicate work, prevent reporting errors, and help eligible students receive the correct status without delay.
Review the official CALPADS Update Flash #333 and direct questions to CALPADS Support.
Need help coordinating English learner data, resolving CALPADS validations, or strengthening reporting workflows? Learn more about MeasureED’s CALPADS support or contact our team.
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