Colton, CA—Before ELPAC testing began, Colton High held their first annual ELPAC kickoff in the Rivera MPR, where students participated in activities and heard discussions by their peers about the importance of their testing and how to pass them.
The English Language Proficiency Assessments (ELPAC) for California is a set of required assessments in listening, reading, writing and speaking that are ranked on a scale of 1-4 to determine if students are proficient in the English language.
Any student whose native language isn’t English has to take English Language development classes (ELD). ELD classes are specifically designed classes for non-native English speakers to improve their proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking before taking the test.
Colton High Principal John Abbott said, “I think it’s important that we show our students the support going into a significant test like ELPAC, they’ve been working really hard to achieve proficiency in the English language.” he continued by mentioning “And so we just really want them to know that we’re there for them and we support them and want to give them some tips and strategies to do well on the assessment.”
Throughout the day, students had assemblies during their ELD period where they were given practice problems which were went over by one of the ELD Teachers on Assignment Eileen Garza. She discusses the answers thoroughly and explained to the students why each answer was selected.
Garza also explained her role to gain a better understanding of the kind of support the students are getting, “I help all the ELD classes and teachers, and I try to make sure that all of our English learner students are progressing appropriately and having success in their English language proficiency.”
ELPAC also has ambassadors Freshman ELPAC Ambassador Diego Martinez said, “Well, I’m proud to be an ambassador because I’m helping a lot of people; and for me, it means that you’re serious about taking the ELPAC test.”
A benefit of passing the ELPAC tests is not only will the student be proficient in English, but they will also receive their Seal of Biliteracy. A Seal of Biliteracy is an award that will be stamped onto a student’s high school diploma and can be granted to students who pass their ELPAC tests.
The first annual ELPAC Kickoff went well, with the exception of parents being absent. Parent’s before the event were sent a letter by Abbott to attend the kickoff, included in the letter was the school’s schedule, and an explanation of the necessity of passing the tests.
