CALPADS is a great resource for finding out English Language information for your student in one place. But why would you try to retrieve your EL data from CALPADS instead of your SIS? There is one killer feature that makes it all worth while:
CALPADS can provide you with the latest EL status and start date EVEN IF THE STUDENT IS BRAND NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL
That’s right! No more digging through or waiting for cumulative files to know your new student’s EL past. This is especially helpful at the beginning of the year when you are planning to update your data for the start of CELDT testing!
All you need is your SENR file for CALPADS. This article will show you how.
There are a few assumptions that are made:
- Your SENR file is error free and fully posted. If it is not, fix those errors before continuing
- Your SENR file is current and contains the students whose EL information you are looking for.
Step 1: In CALPADS, upload and fully post your SENR file with zero errors
Posting with zero errors ensures that your EL list is complete and less likely to contain issues that stem from the mis-assignment of SSIDs.
Step 2: Navigate to Extracts > SSID Extract
Step 3: Complete the report parameters, by entering the enrollment date range, select all schools and request extract.
If successful, you will see the following alert at the top of the page.
Step 4: Refresh the extract screen until you see the download button populate beside your extract. Ensure that the Extract Type shows “SSID Extract”. Click Download.
Step 5: Open the .txt file in Excel, use the text to columns feature to separate the fields by the “^” delimiter.
You will now be able to find the following information which could be passed on to your Language Coordinator for updates to your SIS or for preparation for CELDT testing!
- Column L = EL status of the latest school that this student attended
- Column M = The EL Status start date of the latest EL status issued to this student
- Column N = Primary Language Code. The most common are 0 for English and 1 for Spanish but there are many more!