Introduction to the Summative Alternate ELPAC

Why Do We Give the Summative Alternate ELPAC?

The Summative Alternate ELPAC is the required state test for ELP that is given to students identified as requiring the alternate assessment and whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law requires that LEAs administer a state test for ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The purpose of the Summative Alternate ELPAC is to provide information on annual student progress toward ELP and support IEP team decisions on student reclassification as fluent English proficient. For more information on reclassification, LEAs can refer to the ELPAC Information Guide. Identifying students who need help learning in English is an important step in ensuring students get the support they need to do well in school while receiving instruction in all school subjects. This assessment is available from February 1 to May 31.

Who Should Take the Summative Alternate ELPAC?

The Summative Alternate ELPAC is intended only for students who have been identified by their IEP team as having the most significant cognitive disabilities and being eligible for alternate assessments, in addition to being identified as an EL.

All students in kindergarten through grade twelve (through age twenty-one), who are classified as ELs in CALPADS must continue to be tested annually during the Summative Alternate ELPAC test administration window until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient based on the guidelines for reclassification established by the CDE. LEAs need to confirm that their CALPADS data is current before testing.

Who Approved the Summative Alternate ELPAC?

In November 2018, the California SBE approved an amendment to the CAASPP contract that includes the development of the Alternate ELPAC pursuant to California Education Code sections 313 and 60810. The Alternate ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California ELD Standards, Kindergarten Through Grade 12 via the ELD Connectors. The Alternate ELPAC is administered to kindergarten through grade twelve students (including students up to age twenty-two) following the grade levels and grade spans of the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC.

What is the Difference Between the Initial Alternate ELPAC and the Summative Alternate ELPAC?

The Summative Alternate ELPAC measures an EL student’s progress toward ELP. This assessment is given in the spring, from February 1 to May 31, for students with IEPs who have been identified by their IEP team as having the most significant cognitive disabilities and being eligible for alternate assessments, in addition to being identified as an EL.

The Initial ELPAC is available from July 5, 2023, through June 28, 2024, for students who do not meet the criteria for the Initial Alternate ELPAC. Refer to the Initial ELPAC Online Test Administration Manual for further details.

Table 1 offers a side-by-side view of the Initial Alternate ELPAC and the Summative Alternate ELPAC.

Table 1. Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Comparison
Initial Alternate ELPAC	Summative Alternate ELPAC
This is an assessment used to identify a student as either an EL student who needs support to learn English or as IFEP.	This is an assessment used to measure the ELP of EL students. The results will help the school or LEA determine whether the student is ready to be reclassified as proficient in English.
This assessment is administered to students with an HLS that lists a language other than English as the primary language within 30 days of when the student enrolls in a California public school for the first time. Eligible students must have an IEP designating the use of alternate assessments.	This assessment is administered to eligible students every spring, from February 1 to May 31. Eligible students must have an IEP designating the use of alternate assessments.
A student takes this test one time only. The Initial Alternate ELPAC is taken before the Summative Alternate ELPAC or Summative ELPAC, if the student is identified as an EL.	A student takes this test annually until the student is reclassified.
There is one test form.	There are two test forms that are refreshed annually.
There are six grade levels and grade spans: kindergarten, 1, 2, 3–5, 6–‍8, and 9–12.	There are seven grade levels and grade spans: kindergarten, 1, 2, 3–5, 6–‍8, 9–‍10, and 11–12.