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Assessment Spotlight

Email updates sent out through the California Department of Education statewide assessments electronic mailing lists.

The California Department of Education (CDE) Assessment Spotlight is a regular email for K–12 educators, including testing coordinators, that reports on current and upcoming activities related to statewide testing.

To join the email list, send a blank message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. If you would like to unsubscribe from the CDE statewide assessments listserv, send a blank message to unsubscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov.

The following links direct users to a list of topics covered within each update:

Abbreviation Definition
CAA California Alternate Assessment
CAASPP California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
CAC California Assessment Conference
CALPADS California Longitudinal Pupil Data System
CAST California Science Test
CERS California Educator Reporting System
CHSPE California High School Proficiency Examination
CSA California Spanish Assessment
ELPAC English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
HSE high school equivalency
ICILS International Computer and Information Literacy Study
LEA local educational agency
STAIRS Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 254 – November 9, 2023

  • Upcoming Educator Opportunity: CSA Development
  • November’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Express Yourself

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 253 – November 3, 2023

  • Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Quarterly Meeting is Coming Up on November 29, 2023
  • Fall ELPAC New Coordinator Trainings – Register Now
  • Understanding the Role of Interim Assessments
  • Act Now: Important Update Regarding Expiring HiSET Test Vouchers

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 252 – October 27, 2023

  • New CAST and ELPAC Interim Assessments Ready for Administration to Students

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 251 – October 20, 2023

  • Fall English Language Proficiency Assessments for California New Coordinator Trainings – Register Now
  • Interim Assessment User Guide Now Available!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 250 – October 13, 2023

  • California Assessment System
  • Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Recordings
  • October’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Who Has the Right to VOTE? Examining Historical Sources to Support Research

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 249 – October 6, 2023

  • California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix for 2023–24
  • New ELPAC Domain Exemption Decision-Making Tool
  • Reminder: Register for the 2023–24 Introduction to CERS Training

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 248 – September 29, 2023

  • Reminder—Complete the Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC Before Census Day
  • Quick Reference Guide Web Page Updates
  • Complete Your 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey Now
  • Redesigned Student Score Reports Approved by the State Board of Education
  • Opportunity This Fall: Smarter Balanced Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy Item Review

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 247 – September 22, 2023

  • Preview Available Now for the New California Science Test and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California Interim Assessments
  • Introducing the New Interim Assessments Webinars

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 246 – September 15, 2023

  • Now Available: 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey
  • Reminder—Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
  • Reminder—2023 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series Fall Sessions
  • California Alternative Assessment for Science Testing Window Opens September 19, 2023
  • New HiSET® Session Self-Service Training Required

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 245 – September 8, 2023

  • 2023 California Assessment Conference: Register to Learn from Colleagues Across the State
  • New Coordinator Training Webinar #3 – Student Practice
  • Coming Soon! Interim Assessments for the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California and the California Science Test
  • Introducing the New Interim Assessments Webinars
  • September’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—What A Relief!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 244 – August 25, 2023

  • Reminder—Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments are Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 243 – August 18, 2023

  • 2023 California Assessment Conference—Register Today for Two Days of Learning and Connecting
  • New Coordinator Training Webinar #2—Accessibility
  • Opportunity This Fall: Smarter Balanced Math and English Language Arts/Literacy Item Review

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 242 – August 11, 2023

  • 2023 California Department of Education Local Educational Agency Coordinator Survey
  • Updates to the Student Accessibility Resource Web Page
  • August's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Time Waits for No One

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 241 – August 4, 2023

  • Now Available! 2023–24 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
  • Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Quarterly Meeting—August 23, 2023
  • Summer CAASPP New Coordinators Training—Register Now
  • California Alternate Assessment for Science Administration Planning Guides
  • ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 240 – July 28, 2023

  • 2023 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Starts Next Week
  • CAASPP and ELPAC Systems Downtime Reminder

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 239 – July 14, 2023

  • Register for Your Spot at the 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings!
  • 2023 California Assessment Conference—Featuring Keynote Speakers, Dr. Andrew Ho and Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
  • July’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Tell Me More

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 238 – July 7, 2023

  • Reminder—Summer Trainings Starting Soon
  • Generating Statewide Student Identifiers—Clarification

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 237 – June 30, 2023

  • Reminder—Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
  • Generating Statewide Student Identifiers Takes Time

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 236 – June 23, 2023

  • Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
  • Register for the 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 235 – June 16, 2023

  • Interim Assessments Summer Trainings Starting Soon
  • 2023–24 ELPAC Information Guide Just Posted

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 234 – June 9, 2023

  • 2023 California Assessment Conference—Last Call for Session Presenters
  • June’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Are We Really One of a Kind?

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 233 – May 26, 2023

  • New Alternate Assessment Decision Making Worksheet
  • Summative ELPAC Testing Window Closing—Speaking Data Entry Interface Reminder

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 232 – May 19, 2023

  • August 2023: Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
  • 2023 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series—Registration Now Open for Summer Sessions
  • Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC Newly Enrolled Students

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 231 – May 12, 2023

  • 2023 California Assessment Conference Call for Proposals
  • Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Submit My Appeal?
  • May’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Qrazy Quadratic Quations

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 230 – May 5, 2023

  • Registration Now Open for the 2023–24 Introduction to CERS Training
  • Registration Open for 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings
  • Reporting Physical Fitness Test Results

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 229 – April 28, 2023

  • Close of the ELPAC Testing Window Quickly Approaching!
  • Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
  • California High School Equivalency Program
  • California High School Proficiency Examination

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 228 – April 21, 2023

  • 2023 California Assessment Conference—Registration Now Open
  • Discover the Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning!
  • Focus on Test Security—What Not to Report in STAIRS
  • 2022–23 Sample Student Score Reports Available Now
  • Charter School Assessment Coordinators—Charter Network Quarterly Meeting Is Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 227 – April 14, 2023

  • Reminder—Register for CERS Spring Training Sessions
  • April’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Shades of Meaning
  • 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 226 – April 7, 2023

  • Requesting Unlisted Resources
  • California Spanish Assessment—Educators Urgently Needed
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 225 – March 24, 2023
  • Focus on Test Security: Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
  • Updates to the 2022–23 ELPAC Information Guide

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 224 – March 10, 2023

  • March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Ants are Superorganisms

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 223 – March 3, 2023

  • New Coordinator Training Webinar #5—Preparing to Receive Scores
  • 2023 California Assessment Conference – Save the Date
  • Reminder to Complete ELPAC Certification Courses in Moodle

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 222 – February 17, 2023

  • California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix for 2022–23: Minor Updates
  • Registration Open for Spring Training—Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 221 – February 10, 2023

  • Assignment of Designated Supports and Accommodations—Data Posted
  • Science Resources Reminder: Desmos Calculators and Science Reference Tools
  • February's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Place Value Rumble

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 220 – February 3, 2023

  • Request Form Now Available—Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
  • Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Testing Has Begun
  • Reminder to Complete LEA ELPAC Certification
  • Translated Versions of Parent Guide to Understanding—Now Available
  • Webinar Reminder: Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 219 – January 27, 2023

  • Assistance to Storm-affected Local Educational Agencies
  • Now Available—Asynchronous Hand Scoring Modules for Scoring Smarter Balanced Performance Tasks

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 218 – January 20, 2023

  • Reminder: Organization of the Science Tests Flyers are Available
  • Educators Needed for Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners Field Test
  • High School Equivalency and Proficiency 2022–23 Webinar Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 217 – January 13, 2023

  • Tools for Teachers: Science Educator Interest Survey
  • January's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Inspiring Investigation: Interpreting & Analyzing Figurative Language

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 216 – January 6, 2023

  • New Coordinator Training Webinar #4—Test Security
  • California Science Test Updates
  • Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers Webinar
  • 2022–23 Physical Fitness Test Administration Updates
  • System Downtime Underway

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 215 – December 16, 2022

  • California Assessment System Testing Windows, 2022–23
  • Educator Opportunity: California Spanish Assessment Development
  • Field Test: Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners
  • Registration Open for Spring 2023 CHSPE
  • Changes Coming for CHSPE Test Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 214 – December 9, 2022

  • December's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Interim Assessment Connections Playlist for Mathematics Performance Task
  • Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 213 – December 2, 2022

  • Reminders and Resources for Administering the CAA for Science
  • Desmos Art Contest

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 212 – November 18, 2022

  • Field Test of Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 211 – November 11, 2022

  • November's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Explore World Climates with Climatograms

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 210 – November 4, 2022

  • Register Today for the November Webinar on Formative Assessment and Accessibility Strategies
  • High School Equivalency and CHSPE Webinar Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 209 – October 28, 2022

  • 2021–22 Assessment Results Release
  • LEAs: Last Day to Complete Your 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey!
  • California Assessment Accessibility Resource Graphics for 2022–23
  • New Videos on the Use of Smarter Balanced Tools!
  • Instructional and Professional Learning Resources to Support Deeper Learning of Performance Tasks

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 208 – October 21, 2022

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making for Educational Leaders, Module 1: Two Opportunities Remaining

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 207 – October 14, 2022

  • CSA Item Writer Workshop Next Month!
  • 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey—Deadline Extended to October 28
  • October's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Hatching a Plan

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 206 – October 7, 2022

  • Last Day to Register: California Assessment Conference
  • Data-Drive Decision-Making Trainings for Educational Leaders
  • California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix for 2022–23
  • LEAs: Complete Your 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey
  • Fall ELPAC New Coordinator Trainings—Register Now
  • California Educator Reporting System Training Opportunities
  • Boosting Instruction with Formative Assessment and Accessibility Strategies

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 205 – September 30, 2022

  • 2022 California Assessment Conference—Secure Your Spot Today
  • Now Available: 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey
  • State Board of Education Approves Use of Smarter Balanced Adjusted Form Blueprints
  • Fall Interim Hand Scoring Sessions Begin Next Week!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 204 – September 23, 2022

  • 2022 California Assessment Conference: Spots Still Available
  • Don't Miss Out! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Next Week
  • High School Equivalency: A Transition is in Progress!
  • Testing Transitional Kindergarten Students with the Initial ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 203 – September 16, 2022

  • Census Day Reminder to Complete the Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC
  • Register for the September Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 202 – September 9, 2022

  • 2022 California Assessment Conference: Register Today to Learn from Your Colleagues Across the State
  • CSA Item Writer Workshop: Spots Still Available
  • Spots Still Available for the 2022 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series Fall Sessions!
  • Registration Remains Open for the Introduction to CERS Fall Training Sessions
  • High School Equivalency: A Transition is on the Way!
  • California High School Proficiency Exam
  • September's Featured Professional Learning Resource in Tools for Teachers—Effective School-Home Partnerships!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 201 – September 2, 2022

  • Opportunity This Fall: Smarter Balanced Math Item Review!
  • October 18–20: CAC to Feature Inspiring Keynote Speakers and Array of Sessions
  • October 27: New Coordinator Training Series, Webinar 3—Student Practice

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 200 – August 26, 2022

  • 2022 California Assessment Conference: Schedule and Registration Available!
  • New Coordinator Training Webinar 2—Accessibility Coming Next Month
  • CAST High School Reference Sheet Updated!
  • Key Dates for California High School Proficiency Exam
  • Reminder: Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 199 – August 19, 2022

  • LEA Access to Smarter Balanced Aggregate Area/Claim Results
  • Recent Resource Updates: Assessment Timeline, System Chart, and Parent Guides
  • CSA Item Writer Workshop: Application Deadline Next Month

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 198 – August 12, 2022

  • Now Available! 2022–23 ELPAC Information Guide
  • Register Now for Summer CAASPP New Coordinator Training!
  • New Resource—Organization of the CAA for Science
  • August's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Radical Learning
  • Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 197 – August 5, 2022

  • Now Available! 2022–23 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
  • 2022–23 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides!
  • 2022–23 Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 196 – July 29, 2022

  • 2022 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Starts Next Week!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 195 – July 22, 2022

  • Space Available! Math Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Training Next Week
  • Reminder—Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 194 – July 8, 2022

  • July's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—In Defense of Kelp
  • High School Equivalency Summer Convenings in August!
  • Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 193 – July 1, 2022

  • New Alternate ELPAC Notification Letters Now Available!
  • Downtime This Weekend for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 192 – June 24, 2022

  • ELPAC Checklists for 2022–23 Now Available!
  • Initial ELPAC Reminder
  • Available Soon: 2022–23 Initial ELPAC and Alternate Initial ELPAC!
  • Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 191 – June 17, 2022

  • Deadline Extended: 2022 CAC Call for Shared Practice Proposals

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 190 – June 10, 2022

  • Registration for New Coordinator Training Webinars is Now Open
  • Summer Trainings for LEA Staff Starting Soon!
  • June's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Send in the Colons
  • ELPAC Reminders
  • California Spanish Assessment Opportunity to Get Involved!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 189 – June 3, 2022

  • 2022 High School Equivalency Summer Covenings in August!
  • Alternate ELPAC—Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 188 – May 27, 2022

  • 2022 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series—Register Now for Summer Sessions!
  • Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop—August 1 and 2

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 187 – May 20, 2022

  • Updated, Easily Accessible: Quick Reference Guides
  • Updated CAA Eligibility Determination Guidance for Parents and Guardians
Questions:   California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Office | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765
Last Reviewed: Monday, November 20, 2023
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