Aligned Dashboard and Assessment Data Release
Information about the aligned release of the 2026 California School Dashboard and Statewide Assessment Data.Overview
On October 15, 2026, the California Department of Education (CDE) will release both the California School Dashboard (Dashboard) and state-level assessment results for California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).
Since 2024, statewide assessment data has been released by October 15. Beginning in 2026, the Dashboard will also be released on October 15, pursuant to the requirement of California Education Code 52064.5(f)(2), making assessment and accountability information available at the same time.
CAASPP and ELPAC data start becoming available in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) and the California Educator Reporting System (CERS), in mid to late May.
Local educational agencies (LEAs) are strongly encouraged to start using their local assessment data for planning as soon as the results are available. LEA coordinators can access the student score data files in TOMS. California educators with a TOMS account can access student-level data in CERS.
Timeline
May 2026: Assessment data start becoming available in TOMS and CERS in mid to late May.
August 2026: All assessment data are available in TOMS and CERS, with many LEAs receiving their full data set earlier than that.
September 2026: Aggregate assessment results, including school-, LEA-, and county-level data, will be available for LEA preview by early September.
October 15, 2026: The 2026 Dashboard and state-level assessment data released.
Correspondence
Future correspondence to Educational Partners will be shared here when they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is changing about the 2026 Dashboard release?
Beginning in 2026, the California School Dashboard will be released on October 15, pursuant to the requirement of California Education Code 52064.5(f)(2), earlier than in prior years, and at the same time as statewide assessment data.
2. Why is the CDE aligning these release dates?
A single release date for the Dashboard and statewide assessment data will provide LEAs with a more coherent and complete picture of student performance and areas of need.
3. Does this change when LEAs can access assessment results locally?
No. LEAs will still have access to assessment results as early as mid to late May through the TOMS and the CERS, once results are validated by CDE.
4. Will LEAs receive aggregate assessment data before the public release?
Yes. Aggregate assessment results, including school-, LEA-, and county-level data, will be available to LEAs for preview by the beginning of September.
5. How does this alignment benefit local planning and reporting?
• Coordinate internal analysis
• Prepare board presentations
• Communicate clearly with families and community partners
6. What data systems should LEAs review before the Dashboard release?
LEAs are encouraged to carefully review their:
• End of Year (EOY) California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) reports prior to the July certification deadline to ensure accuracy and completeness.
7. Does this change CALPADS certification timelines?
No. CALPADS certification timelines remain the same, including the July certification deadline for EOY data.
8. Will there be additional guidance or communication from CDE?
Yes, as the October 15 deadline approaches, additional information will be published.
9. Will there be additional data released after October 15, 2026?
Yes, additional Dashboard data will be released, including the 1-year Graduation rate for Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) schools, and English Language arts and Mathematics Growth data.