Summative Alternate ELPAC
The Summative Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is an annual assessment to measure the progress toward English language proficiency (ELP) of an English learner student with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
Testing Window
The Summative Alternate ELPAC is administered in the spring, from February 1 to May 31.
Purpose
The purposes of the Summative Alternative ELPAC are to determine the level of ELP of an EL student with the most significant cognitive disabilities and support decisions on the student's reclassification as fluent English proficient (RFEP). The following are the English proficiency statuses for a student associated with taking the Summative Alternate ELPAC:
- EL—English learner
- RFEP—reclassified fluent English proficient
An EL student with significant cognitive disabilities must be administered the Alternate ELPAC until they are reclassified. There is no parent opt out or medical exemption for this assessment.
Process
A student with significant cognitive disabilities identified as EL must be administered the Summative Alternate ELPAC annually until they have a status of RFEP.
Blueprints
The Alternate ELPAC Test Blueprint 
and Definitions of Task Types for the Alternate ELPAC were approved by the State Board of Education on May 7, 2020. The Initial and Summative Alternate ELPAC follow a single test blueprint, as described in the Proposed High-Level Test Design for the Alternate ELPAC web document. Additional Alternate ELPAC resources and materials are also available on the California Department of Education website.
IEP team guidelines for participation on alternate assessments are available on the Alternate Assessment IEP Team Guidance web page.
Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents Video
The video, "Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents," provides information about the Alternate ELPAC including its purpose, an explanation of who takes the test, and a description of how students can use their preferred communication mode to respond to questions.
This video is recommended for parents and guardians who want to learn more about the Alternate ELPAC. "The Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents" video is currently available in English and Spanish.
- Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents Video: English (Video; 09:26) (Updated 02/03/23)
- Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents Video: Spanish (Video; 10:38) (Updated 03/03/23)