English Learners (EL)
Dolores Huerta English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) ELAC
Dolores Huerta, Staff Lounge
October 15, 2025 - 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
December 3, 2025 - 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
January 21, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
District English Learning Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meetings
Santa Clara Unified School District
1889 Lawrence Rd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
October 16, 2025, at 4:30 - 5:00 pm - Only Time Change
December 4, 2025
February 5, 2026
April 2, 2026
May 7, 2026
An English Learner (EL) is a student whose primary language is not English, as identified by the Home Language Survey (HLS). To determine if a student is an EL, they are given a one-time assessment called the Initial ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California). This assessment helps determine if the student needs language support services.
The Initial ELPAC Assessment
- Who takes it? The Initial ELPAC is administered to newly enrolled students in California public schools whose HLS indicates a language other than English.
- Scheduling: The ELSAT (English Language Support and Assessment Team) will schedule the test sessions, and you will receive separate communication about the specific dates and times for your student's test.
- Preparation: You do not need to "teach to the test," but it is helpful for students to know that they will be demonstrating their English skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- Accommodations: During the test, students will be provided with appropriate accommodations as needed.
Progress and Reclassification
If a student is identified as an English Learner, they will be placed in an English Development class period to receive the resources they need to become English Proficient.
- Yearly Assessment: Once identified, the student will be assessed yearly using the Summative ELPAC assessment and other tests given throughout the school year to monitor their progress.
- Reclassification: A student can be reclassified as English Proficient once they meet all the required criteria.
- For students in grades 6-8, the criteria for reclassification includes a Summative ELPAC Overall score of 4.
- They must also meet one of the following criteria from other assessments: an i-Ready Reading Scale Score, a Writing Performance Task score, or a CAASPP/SBAC ELA score of "Standard Nearly Met or Above".
- Additional criteria for reclassification for grades 6-8 also includes a SOLOM (Student Oral Language Observation Matrix) score of 4 out of 5 on comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar, AND a SOLOM score of 3 out of 5 on pronunciation.
- Finally, a consultation must be held with a parent and/or guardian.
- After Reclassification: Once a student is reclassified, the ELSAT will contact you to inform you that your student is no longer considered an English Learner and will not need to continue taking the yearly ELPAC. They will also have the opportunity to choose an elective class instead of an extra English class.
ELPAC Testing Windows (2025-2026)
- Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC: July 7, 2025 - June 30, 2026
- Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC: February 2, 2026 - May 29, 2026