English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) testing has officially begun at Gabrielino High School. The assessment, which measures English proficiency for students in the school’s English Language Development (ELD) program, will run from Feb. 18 through May 30. The ELPAC is an essential tool for determining language progress and eligibility for reclassification as Fluent English Proficient (FEP).
The ELPAC tests students in four areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students must demonstrate proficiency in all four domains to achieve a score of 4, which allows them to begin the reclassification process. Reclassification signifies that a student has successfully acquired enough English proficiency to transition out of specialized ELD services into regular English classes.
“ELPAC testing is a crucial part of understanding where our students are in their language development,” shared Kathleen Gomez, the ELPAC Testing Coordinator at Gabrielino. “It helps us make informed decisions about how we can best support our students moving forward.”
As part of their preparation, ELD students at Gabrielino are offered various practice sessions. Madison Spriggs, a teacher for the ELD 11/12 class, integrates test preparation into daily lessons.
“We practice foundational skills in speaking, listening, and writing every day,” Spriggs explained. “This helps students feel more comfortable with the test format and the content.”
For many English learner students, the speaking section of the ELPAC is the most challenging.
“I’m nervous about the speaking part because it’s hard to think quickly in English,” shared Jhoan Jia Hao, a 12th-grade ELD student. “But I see it as a chance to show how much I’ve improved and prove my capability.”
Despite the pressure, students receive strong support and feel well prepared for the assessment. Gomez noted that Gabrielino staff take meticulous steps to ensure a positive testing experience. “We always make check in with students before testing to make sure they feel ready and know they are supported and celebrated no matter the result,” Gomez said.
Yingyue Zhang, senior and 11/12 ELD student, shared her anxieties for the test.
“I worry about whether I’ll pass, but I know I’m working hard to improve,” Zhang said. “If I pass, I’ll feel more confident in my classes because it means my English skills are strong enough.”
The ELPAC results have broader implications for both Gabrielino and the San Gabriel Unified School District (SGUSD). The results help determine which students are eligible for reclassification, a process that plays a major role in ensuring that English Learners are ready to succeed in mainstream classes.
“Reclassification is not just a milestone for students, but it’s also an indicator for us of how well our ELD programs are supporting students,” Gomez stated. “It also helps guide future resource allocation and program adjustments across the district.”
For Gabrielino, the data from the ELPAC allows the school to tailor its curriculum and support services to meet the specific needs of English Learners. It also influences staffing decisions and program offerings for the upcoming year.
“We use the results to determine how many students will continue to need ELD support,” Gomez explained. “This helps us make informed decisions about how to allocate resources.”
For SGUSD, the ELPAC results provide a clear picture of how effectively the district is serving its English Learner population. The data helps the district assess the overall success of its language development programs and make adjustments to better serve students across the district. And for students like Zhang and Jia Hao, the ELPAC is a step towards greater academic success and improvement.
“Passing the ELPAC will prove to myself and the district that I’ve done the work to succeed in my other classes,” Jhoan said.
With testing now underway, Gabrielino administrators and teachers are committed to providing students with the resources and support they need.
“Our goal is to make sure every student feels confident and ready,” Ms. Gomez said. “Whether they reclassify this year or not, we’ll continue to support them in their language development.”
