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CDE Updates
Legislative Updates
The Governor has signed the following into law, amongst many:
AB 2467 - postpones the timeline for the implementation of the TK ML Screening: the field test will be conducted in the 2027–28 school year and the commencement of the TK ML screener requirement will be in the 2028–29 school year. The results of the screening administered remain the same: they shall not be used to identify a pupil as an English learner or for any high-stakes purpose, including, but not limited to, teacher or other school staff evaluation, accountability, pupil grade promotion or retention, identification for gifted or talented education, reclassification of English learners, or identification as an individual with exceptional needs. CDE will develop guidance for LEAs on the use of approved screening instruments. An informational webinar hosted by CDE in fall 2026 about the screening instruments and rollout is forthcoming. Additional implementation resources and guidance will be released as implementation planning continues. LEAs are encouraged to wait for CDE guidance on TK screening implementation rather than contacting vendors directly. Districts interested in participating are encouraged to complete the TK ML Screener Field Test Interest Form or contact the CDE Language Policy and Leadership Office at TKMLScreener@cde.ca.gov. More information can be found on the CDE TK ML Screening webpage.
AB 2332 - DLI: Requires CDE to designate a Dual Language Immersion coordinator on or before July 1, 2027, and create a public directory of DLI programs on or before January 1, 2028.
AB 2555 - Reclassification:
- Establishes a standardized statewide reclassification process, making criterion 1 the only criterion for reclassification, effective immediately.
- Beginning January 1, 2027, parents have an explicit right to meet with teachers to discuss their child's progress toward English proficiency.
- Beginning July 1, 2027, the CDE will be required to process reclassification automatically. The CDE will also be required to annually post reclassification rates (disaggregated) and outcome measures for RFEP students.
- On or before January 1, 2028, the state board will need to identify the means and an appropriate instrument for monitoring RFEP students for the purpose of identifying students who are not meeting standards after reclassification. At the same time, the CDE will need to identify appropriate interventions for RFEP students who need additional support.
- Beginning July 1, 2028, and subject to the availability of the development of rubrics and sample alternate pupil work and performance tasks, ELs with an IEP who score an overall 3 on the ELPAC or any score on the Alt ELPAC, may be eligible for reclassification through alternate coursework and performance tasks. The state would develop the rubrics and sample performance tasks needed to support this process. The EL student with IEP would need to have received English language development instruction and to have used all designated supports and accommodations and any domain exemptions required by the student's IEP.
The passage of this bill will allow schools to shift their focus from determining eligibility for reclassification to monitoring and supporting students after reclassification, likely resulting in higher reclassification rates, greater consistency across LEAs, and more equity around RFEP decisions.
The updated CDE Reclassification web page and the new CDE AB 2555 Reclassification FAQs are now available for more information. Additional updates to CDE web pages, resources, and guidance will be coming soon. Please also refer to CALPADS Flash #333 for guidance regarding the submission of ELAS records. A statewide webinar designed to support administrators, teachers, and other staff involved in the reclassification of EL students has been scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026 from 9:00–10:00 AM. Please register to attend!
Screening MLs for Risk of Reading Difficulties
A statewide webinar has been scheduled Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 3:00–5:00 PM to provide information for teachers, administrators, and all staff involved in screening ML students for risk of reading difficulties. It will provide educators with information and resources to support the screening and explore related topics, including:
- Screening in English, Spanish, or using an alternative process
- ML literacy profiles
- Best practices for screening ML students
- Interpreting screening data
- Instructional/intervention response to screening, including English Language Development
Register to attend. For questions about this webinar, please email statewideliteracycampaign@cde.ca.gov.
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