The Los Altos School District is proud to have a diverse student population. Our student population is made up of students who speak over 40+ languages in addition to English. From around the world,  from Finland to Mexico and China to France, new students arrive every year and are embraced by their school communities.
 

The Los Altos School District is committed to ensuring that students who are learning English as a second language (English Learners) are provided with the appropriate instruction required to acquire language proficiency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible as well as meet state standards in academic achievement. 
 

Through on-going professional development, LASD teachers and staff are equipped with the skills necessary to effectively work with a diverse community of students. Our goal is to ensure that all students, including English Learners, are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing global community.

English Learner Frequently Asked Questions

How are English Learners identified?

During registration, parents complete a Home Language Survey regarding languages spoken in the home. Based on this information, identified students are tested within the first 30 days of school to determine English language proficiency. This data enables teachers to provide specialized instruction to meet each child's academic needs.

What are the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)?

Federal and state laws require that school districts administer a state test of English language proficiency to all potential English learners (ELs). The California test is called the ELPAC. The initial ELPAC is given to all potential ELs based on the results of the Home Language Survey (see above). Students who score well are determined to be fluent or IFEP (initial fluent English proficient).

The Summative ELPAC is given in the spring of each year to current ELs until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient (RFEP).

What is the purpose of the ELPAC?

The purpose of the ELPAC is: (1) to identify new students who are ELs, in kindergarten through grade twelve; (2) to determine their level of English proficiency; (3) to monitor their progress in learning English; and (4) to determine when students have met one of the criteria to be reclassified to fluent English proficient status (RFEP).

Reclassification Criteria

The reclassification criteria set forth in California Education Code (EC) Section 313 and Title 5 California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) section 11303 remain unchanged. Local educational agencies (LEAs) should continue using the following four criteria to establish reclassification policies and procedures:

When do I find out the results of the Initial ELPAC test?

After initial testing is completed, tests are scored by trained LASD staff. The district sends parents a letter reporting the English learner status. Students are identified as either "English learner - EL" or "Initial Fluent English Proficient - IFEP".

When do I find out the results of the Summative ELPAC test?

Once the state has scored all the tests from throughout the state, the official results are sent to each district and then mailed to parents. The release date of the state test results has ranged from August to December. 

Can parents opt to have their students exempted from taking the initial ELPAC?

Students with a primary language other than English, as determined by a home language survey, who have not taken the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) or ELPAC before and who have not been previously classified as an EL, must take the ELPAC Initial Assessment. If the home language survey was incorrectly completed, it can be changed by a parent prior to testing.

Can parents opt to have their students exempted from taking the summative ELPAC?

No. Once identified as an English learner, parents cannot "opt out" of the ELPAC. The English language proficiency assessment is both a federal (NCLB Title I. section 1111[b][7] and Title III, 2002) and state requirement (EC 313). The assessment is used to inform teachers of a student's instructional needs and thus is an important tool in providing the best education possible.

If you have further questions, please contact the district office at (650) 947-1155 or the EL Specialist at your child's school.