How to Write an ELPAC Reclassification Letter to Parents (English and Spanish), Updated for AB 2555

October 25, 2026

What should an ELPAC reclassification letter to parents say? In California, under AB 2555, a good letter tells the family four things in plain words and in a language they understand: their child's Overall score on the Summative ELPAC (or the Summative Alternate ELPAC); what that score means now that it is the only reclassification criterion (Overall Level 4 on the Summative ELPAC, or Overall Level 3 on the Summative Alternate ELPAC); whether the child has been reclassified as fluent English proficient and on what date; and what happens next, including four years of monitoring for reclassified students or continued English language development for students who are still English learners.

What changed with AB 2555, and why do old letters need rewriting?

According to the California Department of Education (CDE), AB 2555 makes English language proficiency, as shown on the ELPAC or the Alternate ELPAC, the only criterion for reclassifying English learners. A student who earns an Overall Performance Level 4 on the Summative ELPAC, or an Overall Performance Level 3 on the Summative Alternate ELPAC, must be reclassified.

CDE's AB 2555 FAQ says districts may not require anything beyond the ELPAC score, keep a reclassification committee or require teacher sign-off. The old teacher evaluation, parent consultation and basic skills criteria are no longer operative. So a letter that says "your child met three of four criteria" now describes a process that no longer exists.

What are the key dates for 2025–26 ELPAC scores?

CDE says AB 2555 took effect right away (it carried an urgency clause). For 2025–26 Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC results:

The earliest reclassification date allowed under the new rule is September 27, 2026.
Reclassification dates must fall between September 27, 2026 and January 31, 2027, and districts must report the data in CALPADS by January 31, 2027. CDE recommends reclassifying eligible students as soon as possible.
Students without a Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC score are not eligible.
CDE's FAQ says automatic reclassification begins with the 2027–28 Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC administration.

Put the actual reclassification date in the letter. Families should not have to guess when the change took effect.

What do federal and state rules say about the language of the letter?

CDE's AB 2555 FAQ does not set out a separate "reclassification letter" requirement, but the general rules on communicating with families of English learners still apply.

Federal (ESEA Title I and Title III): CDE's parent notification page says districts using Title I or Title III funds must inform parents of identified English learners no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year (20 U.S.C. 6312). CDE's Title III page adds that students who enroll mid-term must be notified within two weeks of placement. CDE notes that ESEA calls for notices in "an understandable and uniform format" and, "to the extent practicable, provided in a language that the parents can understand."
U.S. Department of Education toolkit: Chapter 10 of the English Learner Toolkit says schools must communicate meaningfully with parents who have limited English proficiency, in a language they can understand.
California Education Code 48985: CDE's translation FAQ explains that when 15 percent or more of a school's students speak a single primary language other than English, the school must send parent notices in English and in that language. The 15 percent figure is checked school by school, using CDE's DataQuest data.

Note: the statute page on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov was blocked when we checked, so this EC 48985 summary comes from CDE's translation FAQ.

What goes in a "your child has been reclassified" letter?

The good news first. Name the child and say they have been reclassified as fluent English proficient (RFEP).
The score that qualified them. The Overall Level 4 (or Alternate ELPAC Overall Level 3) and the test year.
The reclassification date.
What changes. CDE says English learners take the ELPAC each year until reclassified, so this student no longer will.
Four years of monitoring. CDE says districts must monitor reclassified students for four years to make sure they were not exited too early and are keeping up. Explain this in plain words.
A contact. A name, phone number and the languages in which help is available.

What goes in a "still an English learner" letter?

The scores, in plain words. The Overall level, with a short note on what the levels mean. Point families to CDE's Starting Smarter site, which has score report resources in English and Spanish.
The goal. Overall Level 4 on the Summative ELPAC (or Overall Level 3 on the Alternate ELPAC).
The support plan. The English language development program and any extra help. CDE encourages districts to bring together families, teachers and staff to plan placement and goals for students below the threshold.
Next test window. The student will take the Summative ELPAC again in spring.
How to request a conference with an interpreter.

For English learners with IEPs, CDE says the same threshold applies until an alternate path becomes available July 1, 2028. Coordinate those letters with the IEP team.

What does a sample reclassification letter look like?

Here is an original outline you can adapt. It is not an official CDE form.

Greeting: "Dear family of [student name],"
Headline sentence: "We are happy to share that [student] has been reclassified as fluent English proficient as of [date]."
Why: "[Student] earned an Overall Level 4 on the [year] Summative ELPAC. Under California law (AB 2555), this score is the only requirement for reclassification."
What changes: "[Student] will no longer take the ELPAC each spring."
Monitoring: "For the next four years, the school will check on [student]'s progress in class to make sure they have the support they need."
Contact: "Questions? Call [name] at [phone]. We can talk with you in [languages]."

Short Spanish sample paragraph (original wording):

"Estimada familia de [nombre]: Nos alegra informarle que [nombre] fue reclasificado(a) como estudiante con dominio del inglés el [fecha]. [Nombre] obtuvo el Nivel General 4 en el ELPAC Sumativo de [año]. Según la ley de California (AB 2555), este resultado es el único requisito para la reclasificación. Por los próximos cuatro años, la escuela seguirá el progreso de [nombre] para asegurar que reciba el apoyo que necesita. Los aprendices de inglés que todavía no alcanzan el Nivel 4 siguen recibiendo apoyo en el desarrollo del idioma inglés."

Have a qualified translator or bilingual staff member review any Spanish letter before it goes home.

What mistakes should schools avoid?

Old four-criteria language. Remove references to teacher evaluations, basic skills scores, committees and parent consent as conditions for reclassification.
Jargon. Spell out "fluent English proficient" before RFEP, and leave out terms like CALPADS.
Missing next steps. Every letter should say what happens next and whom to call.
English-only letters. Check whether your school meets the 15 percent threshold, and offer interpreters for conferences either way.

Where can I get ready-to-send letters in English and Spanish?

Our ELPAC Results & Reclassification Family Kit (English & Spanish), updated for AB 2555 is 27 printable pages with "reclassified" and "still building English" letters, a score report explainer, a 4-year monitoring explainer and a family FAQ, each in English with a matching Spanish page. It is original material, not official ELPAC material, and is not published or endorsed by the CDE or ETS. It contains no test items.

If your ELAC is covering this topic, the ELAC Meeting Kit for a Full School Year (English & Spanish) includes a bilingual agenda and family handout on the ELPAC and AB 2555 reclassification. The California English Learner Bundle (School Site) gives one school six English learner kits, including both, and the School Membership adds the full school library plus a new drop each month.

For the full background on the law, read AB 2555 and ELPAC Reclassification: What California Teachers Need to Know This Year.

Frequently asked questions

What should an ELPAC reclassification letter to parents say?

It should give the student's Overall Summative ELPAC (or Alternate ELPAC) score, explain that under AB 2555 an Overall Level 4 (Alternate ELPAC Level 3) is the only reclassification criterion, say whether and when the child was reclassified, and explain next steps.

When must students with 2025–26 ELPAC scores be reclassified?

According to CDE, eligible students must have a reclassification date between September 27, 2026 and January 31, 2027.

Do parents still need to give consent for reclassification?

No. CDE says parent consultation is no longer an operative criterion, and districts may not require anything beyond the ELPAC score.

Does the reclassification letter have to be in Spanish?

CDE explains that under EC 48985 a school must send notices in English and in any primary language spoken by 15 percent or more of its students. Federal rules call for notices, to the extent practicable, in a language parents can understand.

How long are reclassified students monitored?

CDE says districts must monitor reclassified students for four years.

Is the Creator Supply Co. family kit an official ELPAC document?

No. It is original material, not official ELPAC material, and it is not published or endorsed by the CDE or ETS.

Sources

This article is general information, not legal advice. Check your district's policies and CDE's latest guidance.

Written by Isaac, U.S. Navy veteran and founder of Creator Supply Co.