ELPAC Composite Scores 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scale is used to report ELPAC Summative composite scores for individual domains?
- 0–100 percent correct
- 200–2000 scaled score
- 1–4 performance levels with scaled scores (Correct answer)
- A–F letter grades
Correct answer: 1–4 performance levels with scaled scores
ELPAC domain and composite scores are reported on a 1–4 performance level scale accompanied by scaled scores within each level.
Question 2: Under what circumstance would a student's ELPAC Summative composite score be considered invalid?
- The student scored Level 4 on all domains
- The student was absent for one or more test sections (Correct answer)
- The student requested extended time
- The student is in a bilingual education program
Correct answer: The student was absent for one or more test sections
If a student is absent for any required section, a valid composite score cannot be calculated because all domain scores are needed.
Question 3: How many performance levels exist for ELPAC Summative composite scores?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
Correct answer: 4
The ELPAC Summative uses four performance levels: 1 (Minimally Developed), 2 (Somewhat Developed), 3 (Moderately Developed), and 4 (Well Developed).
Question 4: Which entity sets the cut scores that define ELPAC composite performance levels?
- Individual school districts
- The California Department of Education (CDE) with State Board approval (Correct answer)
- The federal government via ESSA requirements
- Each test publisher independently
Correct answer: The California Department of Education (CDE) with State Board approval
The California Department of Education, with State Board of Education approval, establishes the cut scores for ELPAC performance levels.
Question 5: A kindergarten student's ELPAC Initial composite result shows 'English learner.' What must the school do next?
- Immediately reclassify the student
- Notify parents and provide appropriate English language development services (Correct answer)
- Administer the Summative Assessment the same week
- Transfer the student to a special education program
Correct answer: Notify parents and provide appropriate English language development services
Schools must notify parents of the EL identification and ensure the student receives appropriate English language development instruction.
Question 6: On the ELPAC, the term 'composite score' differs from a 'domain score' in that a composite score:
- Measures only one language skill
- Combines two or more domain scores into a single summary score (Correct answer)
- Is reported only at the school level, not the student level
- Replaces raw scores on the score report
Correct answer: Combines two or more domain scores into a single summary score
A composite score aggregates multiple domain scores (e.g., Listening + Speaking = Oral Language composite) into one summary measure.
Question 7: Which ELPAC score report section would a parent examine to understand how their child performed specifically in the combined area of reading and writing?
- Oral Language composite
- Written Language composite (Correct answer)
- Overall composite
- Domain subscores
Correct answer: Written Language composite
The Written Language composite specifically reflects the combination of Reading and Writing performance, making it the appropriate section for parents to review literacy skills.
ELPAC Composite Scores 3
Which scale is used to report ELPAC Summative composite scores for individual domains?