Assessment Spotlight, Issue 269

Focusing on the CAASPP System and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)—and including, when timely, updates on California’s other statewide assessments. For questions related to test administration, coordination, and trainings, visit the CAASPP website and the ELPAC website.

Redesigned Student Score Reports Are Coming This Year!

Starting this year, students and families will receive redesigned student score reports (SSRs) for the 2023–24 CAASPP and ELPAC summative tests. Redesigned SSRs for the Initial ELPAC and the Initial Alternate ELPAC will be available beginning with the 2024–25 school year.

SSRs have been redesigned based on feedback from students, parents, and educators. Redesigned SSRs contain clearer language and images for an easier understanding of student performance, as well as quick access to additional information and resources to further support student learning. Stay tuned—Sample SSRs, key messages, and more are coming soon.

Focus on Test Security

The Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) is the means for reporting and resolving testing incidents that occur during the administration of the summative assessments for CAASPP or the ELPAC. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and site coordinators can access STAIRS through the Test Operations Management System.

If an incident necessitates a change in the status of a test—for example, reopening an expired test, resetting a test because a student did not receive a prescribed accommodation, or invalidating a CAASPP test because of student cheating—STAIRS will prompt the coordinator to file an appeal. A complete list of appeal types is provided on the Appeals Definition section of the CAASPP and ELPAC Security Incidents and Appeals Procedure Guide web page.

When an incident involves a breach of test content due to social media exposure of test items on the part of a student or an adult, the coordinator should submit a case through STAIRS as well as immediately notify the California Technical Assistance Center by phone at 800-955-2954.

STAIRS functionality is not applicable for the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments. Any security concerns with the interim assessments should be reported directly to the CAASPP or ELPAC coordinator. Find more information about the STAIRS/Appeals process on the CAASPP Test Security web page and the ELPAC Test Security web page.

To receive future CAASPP updates and notifications, subscribe to the CAASPP mailing list by sending a blank email message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. Are you a new subscriber? For previous Assessment Spotlight issues, visit the California Department of Education Assessment Spotlight web page.