Language Assessments
For admission to SFUSD language programs, demonstrated proficiency of the language is required. Language assessments evaluate a child’s proficiency in the pathway language. Depending on the program, your child may need to pass a language assessment to be eligible.
For example, if your child speaks a language other than English and lists a dual language pathway or biliteracy program as a school choice, they may be assessed for current language skills in both English and the pathway language.
Who is tested?
Any student who lists a language other than English on their Home Language Survey (HLS) may be tested.
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Language Proficiency. Any student who lists a language other than English on one of the first three questions on the Home Language Survey AND who is applying for one or more of the following programs may be contacted for a language assessment to show proficiency: Dual Language Immersion, Biliteracy or Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP).
- English Language Proficiency. Any student who lists a language other than English on one of the first three questions on the Home Language Survey will be assessed to see what are her/his English language skills by using the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (Initial ELPAC).
When and where is the test given?
Assessments are conducted before school assignment letters are sent to families. We strongly encourage families applying for language programs to submit your applications early so that we can properly assess your student's eligibility.
- Language Proficiency tests are conducted by the EPC after the enrollment application is received.
- Main Round: November - February
- Round 2: April - May
- Initial ELPAC assessments are given in August/September at school sites.
- If a student is enrolling during the school year, the Initial ELPAC will also be conducted at the school site.
How do I schedule a test?
When an application is received requesting a language pathway and/or listing a language other than English on the Home Language Survey, EPC will contact families using the contact information listed (phone, email) to schedule a language assessment before the school assignments are made.
If your child is bilingual but you listed English for all 3 questions of the Home Language Survey, you may still request a language assessment by contacting the EPC at (415) 241-6085 or enrollinschool@sfusd.edu.
What is the test about?
Initial ELPAC
- Students: Grades K-12
- Description: The Initial ELPAC is a state assessment that is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards and assesses four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Learn more about the Initial and Summative ELPAC here.
- Duration: ~2-3 hours
Language Proficiency - K-1
- Students: Grades K-1
- Description: The language pathway tests are developed by the Multilingual Pathways Department, and focus on listening and speaking.
- Duration: ~15-20 minutes
Language Proficiency - 2-8
- Students: Grades 2-8
- Description: The language pathway tests are developed by the Multilingual Pathways Department, and focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Duration: ~30 minutes to 2 hours
What happens after the test?
Once the test is completed and scored, the EPC will contact the parent/guardian to share test results, and offer to review program options and support services. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to change the school or program requests on their child’s application if they so choose and/or if their child is not eligible for a selected language pathway.
Students can only take assessments one time -- we do not offer retesting within the same school year, and invite students to take the test again the following year.
Please call the EPC at (415) 241-6085 for support. Testing coordinators are listed below.
- Lynn Kwong (English/Cantonese/Mandarin)
- Evelyn Orozco (English/Spanish)
Language Programs
Language programs provide all students with culturally and linguistically relevant education to maximize access to quality education. SFUSD offers programs for grades PreKindergarten through 12.
Learn more:
- Language Pathways Overview (Virtual Enrollment Fair): English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Chinese (PDF)
- Language Programs - see what programs we offer by language
- English Language Learners - resources for English language learners
- English Learner Guide - key information for English learners regarding programs, eligibility and testing
- SFUSD's School Finder - see which schools have language programs
- Enrollment Guide - learn more about our programs and schools
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World Language in Elementary School (FLES) |
Programs are taught mostly in English and the objective is to expose students to 30-60 minutes per day in the target language: Arabic, Filipino, Japanese or Vietnamese. |
K-5 |
All students |
Middle School Newcomer |
Newcomer Programs are designed to help newly arrived students to adjust to their new language and culture. Students receive sheltered content instruction with 45-90 minutes of designated English language development (ELD). |
6-8 |
Recent arrivals to the U.S. who are Novice English Learners. |
Secondary Dual Language Immersion Program |
Students receive 1 period of language arts or world language and 1 period of social studies in the target language of the pathway |
6-8 |
Students rising from DLI or Biliteracy programs or who pass EPC language assessment |
Secondary World Language - Advanced |
Students receive 50 – 60 minutes elective course (5 days/week or fewer in a block schedule) |
6-8 |
Students rising from DLI or Biliteracy programs, or who pass EPC language assessment |
Secondary World Language - Introductory |
Students receive 50 – 60 minutes elective course (5 days/week or fewer in a block schedule) |
6-8 |
All students |
High School Newcomer |
Newcomer Programs are designed to help newly arrived students to adjust to their new language and culture. Students receive sheltered content instruction with 45-60 minutes of designated English language development (ELD). |
9-12 |
Recent arrivals to the U.S. who are Novice English Learners. |
High School World Language |
Students are required to complete two years or 20 credits of a World Language, or demonstrate proficiency using one of the methods listed in this manual, to graduate from high school. |
9-12 |
All students |
Dual Language Immersion vs. Biliteracy
Biliteracy Programs serve only potential English Learners and bilingual studetnes who are proficient in their primary language. Dual Language Programs serve a blend of English Learners, bilinguals, and monolingual English speaking students.
English Learner Access to Special Education
For English Learners with Individual Education Programs (IEPs) who require English language acquisition services to obtain a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), their IEPs should include goals that address English Language Development and linguistic scaffolds to access core curriculum instruction. In addition, their IEP goals should outline ELPAC accommodations and designated supports for each domain as needed and/or consideration of an alternate assessment to the ELPAC and with access to core curriculum instruction. For more information ask your child's teacher, principal or visit the Special Education Department.
Language Pathways: Workshop Presentation
These resources were presented during the 2022-2023 Virtual Enrollment Fair.
This workshop provided an overview of language programs in SFUSD's elementary, middle, and high schools including our Dual Language Immersion and Biliteracy Programs that are designed to support the academic achievement and bilingualism of English language learners. We also share an overview of our World Language programs that aim to promote bilingualism and global citizenship for all SFUSD students. There was time for questions and answers about eligibility requirements and the goals of these programs.
Slides: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Chinese (PDF)
View Language Programs workshop:
This page was last updated on September 14, 2022