AB 2555: New English Learner Reclassification Requirements

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Assembly Bill (AB) 2555 is a new California law that changes how English Learner (EL) students are reclassified as English proficient. AB 2555 was signed into law on September 27, 2026.

AB 2555 shifts the focus from the reclassification decision to the ongoing progress of English Learners/Multilingual Learners. The new law strengthens expectations for monitoring the progress of both current EL students and students who have been reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). In addition to establishing additional progress monitoring, AB 2555 includes new requirements for family engagement, reclassification data reporting, and an alternate reclassification pathway for eligible EL students with IEPs.

The changes under AB 2555 happen in stages. Some provisions take effect immediately because of the law’s urgency clause, while others take effect on specific dates established in the law. 

Effective September 27, 2026, an EL student qualifies for reclassification when they demonstrate English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) by achieving:

  • Overall Performance Level 4 on the Summative ELPAC, or 
  • Overall Performance Level 3 on the Summative Alternate ELPAC.

No other criteria are required for reclassification. The previous criteria 2-4 (basic English skills relative to English Proficient Students, teacher evaluation, and parent consultation) are no longer required for reclassification under AB 2555.

Reclassification for the 2026-27 School Year

Under AB 2555, the California Department of Education (CDE) will begin an automated reclassification with Spring 2028 ELPAC results. 

Until then, SFUSD will process reclassification using Criterion 1 (a score of 4 on the Summative ELPAC or a score of 3 on the Summative Alternate ELPAC) for Spring 2026 and Spring 2027 ELPAC results. 

SFUSD’s planned reclassification timeline for SY 2026 - 2027:

  • October 15, 2026: process eligible students using Spring 2026 ELPAC results
  • Date to be confirmed: process eligible students using Spring 2027 ELPAC results 

For Spring 2027 scheduling, school sites are encouraged to use the time available through the start of the Spring semester (January 4, 2027) to program reclassified students out of Designated ELD. Please contact your counseling team for additional support with Spring 2027 scheduling and course placement.

Have questions about AB 2555 or the updated EL reclassification process? 

Schedule a drop-in support to ask questions, get clarification, and receive support navigating the new requirements and timelines.

Additional Resources

Your site’s ML Coordinator can help answer questions about the reclassification process and provide support. 

If your site does not have an ML Coordinator, or if you would like to connect with the district office, please contact Jantsan Damdinsuren at damdinsuren@sfusd.edu. 

AB 2555 FAQs