CALPADS Update FLASH #319

To:           Local Educational Agency (LEA) Representatives

From:      California Department of Education (CDE) –
                California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) Team

Date:       January 26, 2026

Subject:  CALPADS Update FLASH #319

The purpose of this Flash is to give all CALPADS users advance notice of the transition to a new user authentication system, which will occur in a phased approach beginning in March 2026. This Flash focuses on Phase 1. Further details and training for Phase 1, as well as more information on Phase 2, will be provided at a later date.

Moving to a New User Authentication System for CALPADS: Transition Overview

The California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) will be upgraded to an authentication system that can support multifactor authentication (MFA). This is needed to ensure that CALPADS is in line with best practices for keeping student and staff data secure. The upgrade will occur in a phased approach beginning in March 2026:

• Phase 1: Transition to the new authentication system, which will require all users to get a new username and password. Phase 1 will occur during a transition window: March 10, 2026 – May 1, 2026.
• Phase 2: After transitioning to the new authentication system, users will be required to set up a second authentication method through the new system.

The specific time frame for Phase 2 will be determined at a later date.

Phase 1: Moving to a New Authentication System

What Does this Mean for CALPADS Users?

Each user will need to obtain a new username and password for logging in to CALPADS between March 10, 2026 – May 1, 2026.

How Will this Transition Happen?

During the March 10, 2026 – May 1, 2026 Transition Window, the CALPADS login screen will display two options:

• Option 1: Use existing CALPADS username to activate New CALPADS username
• Option 2: Use new CALPADS username

Users must first log in using Option 1 with their existing username and password. On the home page, when users are ready to obtain their new username and password, the user will simply click the “Activate New CALPADS Username” link that will prompt them through the creation of their new username and password. After creating their new username and password, users will proceed to log in using Option 2, and from that point forward, they should always log in using Option 2.

When new usernames and passwords are created, existing CALPADS user roles will automatically roll over to the new authentication system account, so the Local Educational Agency (LEA) CALPADS Administrator will not have to re-create roles for local users.

What if I Don’t Get My New Authentication System Account Within the Transition Window?

Users who do not obtain a new username and password during the transition window will not be able to log in to CALPADS after the transition window closes on May 1, 2026. These users will need to work with their LEA’s CALPADS Administrator to establish a new username and password.

What is Multifactor Authentication?

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is when users must prove who they are, in more than one way, before getting access to a system; in this case, CALPADS. Initially, CALPADS users will authenticate their identity using only their username and password. During Phase 2, users will set up a second authentication method. More information regarding when users will be required to set up their second authentication method will be provided in the coming months.

Will there be training?

Yes. Training videos will be published on the California School Information Services (CSIS) YouTube Training Channel in advance of the new CALPADS user authentication and login implementation. The CSIS Training Channel YouTube page can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/@CSISCALPADSTrainingChannel

Will there be additional communications?

The California Department of Education (CDE) announced this upgrade to the field during the September 2025 CALPADS Regional Update Meetings. The CDE has communicated this upgrade to county and district superintendents and charter school administrators, the county Technical Services Committee (TSC), and to student information system and special education system vendors. Additional information will be shared at the March 2026 CALPADS Regional Update Meetings and will be provided through Flashes in the coming months, with more frequent communications and reminders during the transition window via the CALPADS Digest and listserv messages.