Consider removing Criterion 4 from California's reclassification requirements while maintaining the ELPAC overall PL 4 threshold¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The report recommends that the CDE consider removing the locally determined basic-skills comparison (Criterion 4) from reclassification requirements, while maintaining ELPAC overall PL 4 as the Criterion 1 threshold. It argues the additional check may be "redundant, unnecessary, or possibly unfair" given that PL 4 students perform comparably to matched EO peers and gain no apparent benefit from remaining in EL status. It also recommends two-way engagement with educators and advocates about possible actions.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Any proposed changes would affect only students scoring at ELPAC overall PL 4; students with lower ELP levels would not experience changes in their EL services.

Constraints¶

• The report recommends the state continue to closely monitor its data over time to evaluate whether removing Criterion 4 avoids drops in RFEP achievement or loss of services for students who would benefit.

Target Learners¶

• English Learner students in California K-12 schools, particularly those at ELPAC overall PL 4

Target Learning Goals¶

• Timely exit from EL status with continued access to grade-level programs and content

Claims¶

• Educators in 2023-24 listening sessions repeatedly identified Criterion 4 as a barrier to reclassification that many English-only students could not meet [+W]
• In both analysis years and all tested grades, EL students reach a 50 percent chance of SBAC ELA proficiency within ELPAC overall PL 4 [+W]
• ELPAC overall PL 4 students who exit EL status show minimal or no achievement differences one year later compared with those who remain, after controlling for SES [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Integrate post-reclassification monitoring and support so students who exit EL status continue receiving integrated support in the general curriculum

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Faulkner-Bond, M. (2026). Finding the sweet spot for English Learner reclassification: A study of California's criteria. WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED681359