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CDE Updates
AB 2555 Reclassification
A reminder that the resources CDE has shared in the Reclassification webinar BOX drive is downloadable through Oct. 30. Communication flyers for educators and families, a reource guide, webinar slides, and reclassification letter templates in English and 5 other languages have been added to support LEAs. The most updated guidance will be provided on CALPADS Flash #333 and the following CDE web pages: Reclassification webpage and the AB 2555 FAQs. A few FAQs are highlighted below, based on some recent local inquiries:
Q: What date should be used for reclassification?
A: For reclassification in the 2026–27 school year using 2025–26 Summative ELPAC or Summative Alternate ELPAC results, LEAs must reclassify eligible EL students on or before January 31, 2027, with a reclassification date between September 27, 2026, and January 31, 2027.
Q: Is a Reclassification form still needed to document reclassification of students based on their assessment score alone, pursuant to AB 2555?
A: To preserve the record of the reclassification, LEAs may continue to use their existing reclassification forms for the student's cumulative record. LEAs would only complete the Criterion 1 portion (English Language Proficiency), and disregard Criteria 2-4.
Q: If an LEA’s board policies and administrative regulations do not match the updated reclassification requirements, how long does the LEA have to change these policies?
A: It would be best practice for LEAs to update policies and regulations as soon as possible. Please note that students should still be reclassified according to the requirements in AB 2555 regardless of the status of the policies and regulations being updated.
Q: Can an LEA use local assessments to reclassify dually identified students prior to July 1, 2028?
A: No, an LEA may not use local assessments to reclassify a dually identified student. Prior to the alternate coursework, performance tasks, and rubrics being available, dually identified students must obtain an overall PL 4 on the Summative ELPAC or an overall PL 3 on the Summative Alternate ELPAC to be able to be reclassified.
CDE Survey: Guidance for Supporting Dually Identified Newcomer Students
Your experience can help shape CDE guidance for supporting dually identified newcomer students -- newcomer students and who are currently identified, have previously been identified, or may be identified as eligible for special education services. Please help complete the 8–10 minute survey: https://forms.gle/v4jDJJXVD3ynNgWx8, a joint effort of the CDE’s Multilingual Support Division and the Special Education Division. The survey closes Friday, October 30, and share it with colleagues and networks who support these students. If you have additional questions, please contact Geoffrey Munch, Education Programs Consultant, by email at Gmunch@cde.ca.gov.
LTEL Community of Practice Report
CDE announced the release of the Long-Term English Learner (LTEL) Community of Practice (CoP) Report, authored by Dr. Laurie Olsen, now available on the CDE LTEL CoP web page under the “Resources” tab and attached. This report highlights the work of LEA teams from across California that applied to be part of this CoP to improve outcomes for the LTEL students they serve. This report documents their process, successes, challenges, and next steps in their journey to use data and Design Thinking to improve the system to better serve students identified as LTELs. If you have questions about this report or the LTEL CoP, please email MSD@cde.ca.gov.
TK Multilingual Learner Screener
With AB 2467 (Chapter 608, Statutes of 2026) signed into law, the implementation timeline for the TK Multilingual Learner Screening Instruments has been updated as follows:
- Voluntary field test: 2027–28 school year
- Required statewide screening: beginning the 2028–29 school year
CDE will make the selected TK multilingual learner screening instruments and training available to LEAs at no cost. Frequently asked questions are now available on the TK Multilingual Learner Screening web page, and additional guidance and resources will be posted there as they become available. CDE is also recruiting large school districts (16–25 TK-serving sites) for the fall 2027 field test. Interested districts may complete the TK ML Screener Field Test Local Educational Agency Interest Form by November 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to TKMLScreener@cde.ca.gov.
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