Assessment Spotlight, Issue 338

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 and ELPAC website .

1.0 Percent Threshold and Justification Survey Now Available

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to notify the California Department of Education (CDE) if they expect to exceed 1.0 percent of their total assessed student population taking the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) in English language arts/literacy, mathematics, and science for the CAASPP.
All LEAs are required to report the percentage of students anticipated to take the CAAs for the 2025–26 school year, whether the LEA anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent cap, not exceeding the 1.0 percent cap, or has no students expected to take alternate assessments. LEAs exceeding the 1.0 percent cap must provide justification as required by federal regulations aimed at preventing overidentification of students for alternate assessments.
A link to the survey can be found on the CDE 1.0 Percent Threshold on Alternate Assessments web page. In addition, you can access the survey directly at 1.0 Percent Threshold and Justification Survey . Submit your survey response by November 14, 2025.

California Alternate Assessment for Science Testing Window Opens

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science testing window opened on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Trained test examiners (TEs) may now begin administering the three embedded performance tasks. TEs should schedule these tasks throughout the school year, following related instruction in each science domain. The 2025–26 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides identify the assessed Science Connectors for 2025–26 and include a testing planner to help support TEs in preparing for administration of the CAA for Science.

Additional reminders and requirements for administration of the CAA for Science:

• The 2025–26 CAA Test Examiner Tutorial courses are available on the Moodle Training website . Test examiners must complete their Moodle training courses before administering the CAA for Science embedded performance tasks.
• TEs must use the script provided in the Directions for Administration manual.
• Each performance task must be administered by a trained TE, who is familiar with the student and their needs, in a one-on-one setting.
• Some questions include Part A and Part B and may require scrolling.

For more information about the CAA for Science, visit the California Alternate Assessment for Science web page.

New CAASPP Test Administrator Training Materials

The new CAASPP test administrator training materials are now available on CAASPP-ELPAC.org . In response to feedback from the field, a comprehensive slide deck and resource guide were created to support LEA CAASPP Coordinators in delivering effective and customizable local trainings.

These materials are:

• Flexible – Use them in full or break them into shorter sessions to fit your schedule.
• Customizable – Easily add your own local dates, logistics, and team-specific information.
• Aligned – Includes key content directly from the CDE.

Whether you are planning a full-day training or a series of shorter sessions, these resources are designed to meet your needs.

New Coordinator Training Webinar #6 – Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments

Register now for the New Coordinator Training Webinar—Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments on October 16, 2025, from 3–4 p.m. This webinar will focus on:

• The importance of student practice
• Practice and training tests
• Provide students with opportunities to experience CAASPP or ELPAC
• Testing interface
• Available accessibility resources

We hope you can join us!

Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network

Join us Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for the next virtual quarterly Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network meeting.

These quarterly meetings provide support to charter school coordinators and administrators by sharing assessment updates, best practices, and networking opportunities. Register now on Zoom , as space is limited.

To receive future CAASPP and ELPAC 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.