This test is given when a student first enrolls in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Then students who are still designated as "English Learners" must re-take the test each year until they are redesignated as FEP (Fluent English Proficient.)
According to state law, all English Learners must take the CELDT each year. There are alternative assessments but no exemptions for students with special learning needs.
Because English learners must be assessed for three areas, the CELDT has three sections:
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
A score for each section is given and an overall score is calculated as well. Score reports are received by the district in May and mailed home as well as put into the student's file. When parents receive the score report, it may be confusing because the report might state that the student is proficient in English. However, there are strict criteria for redesignating English learners as fluent. To see what the criteria is, click here.
For more information on the CELDT, contact the California Department of Education.