California English Language Development Test (CELDT) - Definition & Meaning

The California English Language Development Test (CELDT) was a standardized assessment used in the state of California, USA, to evaluate the English language proficiency of English learner (EL) students. The CELDT was administered annually to assess students' progress in acquiring English language skills.

Key points about the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) include:

• English Learners: The CELDT was primarily designed for students who were identified as English learners, meaning that English was not their native language, and they needed additional support in learning and acquiring English proficiency.
  
• Assessment Components: The CELDT assessed English language proficiency in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It aimed to measure students' ability to understand, communicate in, and use English effectively.
  
• Placement and Monitoring: CELDT results were used for initial placement of English learners in appropriate language support programs and for ongoing monitoring of their progress in acquiring English language skills.
  
• State Transition Criteria: In California, EL students were required to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency on the CELDT to transition out of specialized English language support programs.
  
• Replaced by ELPAC: The CELDT was replaced by the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), which is designed to assess the English language proficiency of English learners in California schools.