Assessment Spotlight

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 (PDF).

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:

• Issue 179 – March 25, 2022
• Issue 178 – March 18, 2022
• Issue 177 – March 11, 2022
• Issue 176 – March 4, 2022
• Issue 175 – February 25, 2022
• Issue 174 – February 18, 2022
• Issue 173 – February 11, 2022
• Issue 172 – February 4, 2022
• Issue 171 – January 28, 2022
• Issue 170 – January 21, 2022
• Issue 169 – January 14, 2022
• Issue 168 – January 7, 2022
• Issue 167 – December 17, 2021
• Issue 166 – December 10, 2021
• Issue 165 – December 3, 2021
• Issue 164 – November 12, 2021
• Issue 163 – November 5, 2021
• Issue 162 – October 29, 2021
• Issue 161 – October 22, 2021
• Issue 160 – October 15, 2021
• Issue 159 – October 8, 2021
• Issue 158 – October 1, 2021
• Issue 157 – September 24, 2021
• Issue 156 – September 17, 2021
• Issue 155 – September 10, 2021
• Issue 154 – September 3, 2021
• Issue 153 – August 27, 2021
• Issue 152 – August 20, 2021
• Issue 151 – August 13, 2021
• Issue 150 – August 6, 2021
• Issue 149 – July 30, 2021
• Issue 148 – July 23, 2021
• Issue 147 – July 16, 2021
• Issue 146 – July 9, 2021
• Issue 145 – July 2, 2021
• Issue 144 – June 25, 2021
• Issue 143 – June 18, 2021
• Issue 142 – June 11, 2021
• Issue 141 – June 4, 2021
• Issue 140 – May 28, 2021
• Issue 139 – May 21, 2021
• Issue 138 – May 14, 2021
• Issue 137 – May 7, 2021
• Issue 136 – April 30, 2021
• Issue 135 – April 23, 2021
• Issue 134 – April 16, 2021
• Issue 133 – April 9, 2021
• Issue 132 – April 2, 2021
• Issue 131 – March 26, 2021
• Issue 130 – March 19, 2021
• Issue 129 – March 12, 2021
• Issue 128 – March 5, 2021
• Issue 127 – February 26, 2021
• Issue 126 – February 19, 2021
• Issue 125 – February 12, 2021
• Issue 124 – February 5, 2021
• Issue 123 – January 29, 2021
• Issue 122 – January 22, 2021
• Issue 121 ‒ January 15, 2021
• Issue 120 ‒ January 8, 2021
• Issue 119 ‒ December 18, 2020
• Issue 118 ‒ December 11, 2020
• Issue 117 ‒ December 4, 2020
• Issue 116 ‒ November 20, 2020
• Issue 115 ‒ November 13, 2020
• Issue 114 ‒ November 6, 2020
• Issue 113 – October 30, 2020
• Issue 112 – October 23, 2020
• Issue 111 – October 9, 2020
• Issue 110 – October 2, 2020
• Issue 109 – September 25, 2020
• Issue 108 – September 18, 2020
• Issue 107 – September 11, 2020
• Issue 106 – September 4, 2020
• Issue 105 – August 28, 2020
• Issue 104 – August 21, 2020
• Issue 103 – August 14, 2020
• Issue 102 – August 7, 2020
• Issue 101 – July 31, 2020
• Issue 100 – July 24, 2020
• Issue 99 – July 17, 2020
• Issue 98 – July 10, 2020
• Issue 97 – July 7, 2020
• Issue 96 – June 26, 2020
• Issue 95 – June 19, 2020
• Issue 94 – June 12, 2020
• Issue 93 – May 29, 2020
• Issue 92 – May 22, 2020
• Issue 91 – May 15, 2020
• Issue 90 – May 8, 2020
• Issue 89 – May 1, 2020
• Issue 88 – April 24, 2020
• Issue 87 – April 17, 2020
• Issue 86 – April 10, 2020
• Issue 85 – March 20, 2020
• Issue 84 – March 11, 2020
• Issue 83 – March 5, 2020
• Issue 82 – February 27, 2020
• Issue 81 – February 20, 2020
• Issue 80 – February 12, 2020
• Issue 79 – February 6, 2020
• Issue 78 – January 30, 2020
• Issue 77 – January 23, 2020
• Issue 76 – January 16, 2020
• Issue 75 – January 9, 2020
• Issue 74 – December 18, 2019
• Issue 73 – December 11, 2019
• Issue 72 – December 4, 2019
• Issue 71 – November 20, 2019
• Issue 70 – November 13, 2019
• Issue 69 – November 6, 2019
• Issue 68 – October 30, 2019
• Issue 67 – October 23, 2019
• Issue 66 – October 16, 2019
• Issue 65 – October 9, 2019
• Issue 64 – October 2, 2019
• Issue 63 – September 25, 2019
• Issue 62 – September 18, 2019
• Issue 61 – September 11, 2019
• Issue 60 – September 4, 2019
• Issue 59 – August 28, 2019
• Issue 58 – August 21, 2019
• Issue 57 – August 14, 2019
• Issue 56 – August 7, 2019
• Issue 55 – July 31, 2019
• Issue 54 – July 17, 2019
• Issue 53 – July 10, 2019
• Issue 52 – July 3, 2019
• Issue 51 – June 26, 2019
• Issue 50 – June 19, 2019
• Issue 49 – June 12, 2019
• Issue 48 – June 5, 2019
• Issue 47 – May 29, 2019
• Issue 46 – May 22, 2019
• Issue 45 – May 15, 2019
• Issue 44 – May 8, 2019
• Issue 43 – May 2, 2019
• Issue 42 – April 25, 2019
• Issue 41 – April 17, 2019
• Issue 40 – April 10, 2019
• Issue 39 – April 4, 2019
• Issue 38 – March 28, 2019
• Issue 37 – March 21, 2019
• Issue 36 – March 13, 2019
• Issue 35 – March 6, 2019
• Issue 34 – February 27, 2019
• Issue 33 – February 20, 2019
• Issue 32 – February 13, 2019
• Issue 31 – February 7, 2019
• Issue 30 – January 30, 2019
• Issue 29 – January 23, 2019
• Issue 28 – January 17, 2019
• Issue 27 – January 10, 2019
• Issue 26 – December 26, 2018
• Issue 25 – December 19, 2018
• Issue 24 – December 12, 2018
• Issue 23 – December 5, 2018
• Issue 22 – November 28, 2018
• Issue 21 – November 21, 2018
• Issue 20 – November 15, 2018
• Issue 19 – November 7, 2018
• Issue 18 – October 31, 2018
• Issue 17 – October 24, 2018
• Issue 16 – October 17, 2018
• Issue 15 – October 10, 2018
• Issue 14 – October 3, 2018
• Issue 13 – September 26, 2018
• Issue 12 – September 19, 2018
• Issue 11 – September 12, 2018
• Issue 10 – September 5, 2018
• Issue 9 – August 29, 2018
• Issue 8 – August 22, 2018
• Issue 7 – August 15, 2018
• Issue 6 – August 8, 2018
• Issue 5 – August 1, 2018
• Issue 4 – July 25, 2018
• Issue 3 – July 18, 2018
• Issue 2 – July 11, 2018
• Issue 1 – July 5, 2018

 

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 179 – March 25, 2022

• Focus on Test Security—What Not to Report in STAIRS
• Downtime Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 178 – March 18, 2022

• New Coordinator Training: Preparing to Receive Summative Scores
• Focus on Test Security: Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
• Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 177 – March 11, 2022

• New Video on Monitoring Test Completion Status!
• Moodle Training Site Adds New Support Web Page
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Recharging Our Groundwater

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 176 – March 4, 2022

• High School Science Test Administration: Flyer Available!
• ELPAC Reset Appeals
• LEA Coordinator Webinar on March 23
• Registration Opens Next Week for HSE Summer Convenings
• Save the Date: 2022 CAC in October

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 175 – February 25, 2022

• Returning K–2 ELPAC Writing Answer Books
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• CERS—A Free and Powerful Tool for LEAs
• March 1: Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 174 – February 18, 2022

• New for 2021–22: Easier Use of Speech-to-Text!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 173 – February 11, 2022

• Volunteer Schools Sought for ICILS Field Test
• Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Window Extended to May 31
• Alternate ELPAC English-Only Study Also Extended to May 31
• ELPAC Questions of the Week
• February's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Four Corners: Writing Linear Inequalities from Graphs
• Security Training for New Coordinators

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 172 – February 4, 2022

• K–2 Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Development!
• A Teacher's Best Kept Secret: Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 171 – January 28, 2022

• Student Teachers May Administer Spring 2022 Assessments
• Updated Statewide Notification Template Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 170 – January 21, 2022

• Formative Assessment Resources Webinar
• Data-Driven Decision Making Webinar
• Security and STAIRS Training for New Coordinators in February

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 169 – January 14, 2022

• Remote Testing for Summative Assessments
• January's Featured Tools for Teachers Resources—Professional Development Modules That Support Social and Emotional Learning

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 168 – January 7, 2022

• 2020–21 Student Data Released
• Downtime Underway for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
• Tools for Teachers and Other Formative Assessment Resources at Your Fingertips—Register Today
• Now Available! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Recordings

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 167 – December 17, 2021

• Public Release of 2020–21 Student Data
• Data Training to Replace Assessment Update Webinar in January
• Alternate Assessments and In-Person Testing
• Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
• November PFT Webinar Now Posted
• Next Issue of Assessment Spotlight: January 7

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 166 – December 10, 2021

• Summative CAASPP and ELPAC Notification Letters Now Available
• ELPAC: TOMS Updates Coming in January
• Reminders for Summative ELPAC Testing
• December's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Rhetorical Reading Review: A Closer Look at Author, Text, and Audience
• Registration Open for Spring CHSPE Administration

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 165 – December 3, 2021

• Approved Adjusted Blueprints for ELA and Math

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 164 – November 12, 2021

• LEAs: Complete Your 1 Percent Survey! Closes Soon
• Fall CAASPP New Coordinator Trainings – Register Now
• November's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—"Why Wear Safety Gear?"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 163 – November 5, 2021

• New CAASPP and ELPAC Checklists for 2021–22
• Alternate ELPAC Administration Window Opened November 1
• Testing Notification Letter Templates for Alternate ELPAC Field Test Now Available
• 2021–22 Technical Specifications and Configuration Guide for Online Testing
• "Alt for All" Reflected in Updated Decision Worksheet
• LEAs: Complete Your 1 Percent Survey Soon
• Webinar Reminder: Learn the Latest About the PFT Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 162 – October 29, 2021

• LEA Coordinators: Register for Assessment Update Webinar
• PFT Update Webinar in November
• Webinar Reminder: Making Elementary Science Sizzle with Tools for Teachers

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 161 – October 22, 2021

• Available Now: One Percent Threshold Survey
• New Chapter Added to the Online Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Manual
• Don't Miss Out: Upcoming ELPAC Q&A Sessions
• Opportunity to Provide Feedback on the Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Directions for Administration
• Proposed Plan for Physical Fitness Test Administration
• PFT Webinar Next Month

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 160 – October 15, 2021

• Fall ELPAC New Coordinator Trainings—Register Now
• Making Elementary Science Sizzle with Tools for Teachers—Shared Practices Webinar

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 159 – October 8, 2021

• Initial ELPAC Extension Approved for LEAs Impacted by Fires
• Correction Process for Locally Determined Alternate Assessment
• Alternate ELPAC Parent Notification Letter
• CAA for Science Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit Web Page Updated
• October's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Monstrous Multiplication

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 158 – October 1, 2021

• Educator Opportunity: California Spanish Assessment Development
• Summative ELPAC Student Eligibility Report Now Includes Alternate ELPAC
• Learn About the Alternate ELPAC English Only Study for 2021–22
• Alternate ELPAC Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines
• Fall Sessions: Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series
• Reminder: Interim Assessments Available for Use in Distance Learning

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 157 – September 24, 2021

• Math Educators Needed for Item Review Next Month
• LEA Coordinators: The CDE Wants to Hear from You
• Coming in October: Using Interim Assessment Data and Tools for Teachers to Support Instruction—Shared Practices Webinar #2
• New Coordinator Training Webinar #3—Student Practice
• Registration for 2021 California Assessment Conference Closing Soon
• Growth Model Public Release
• New Alternate ELPAC Resource!
• Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Standard Setting

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 156 – September 17, 2021

• Use of Adjusted Test Blueprints for 2021–22 Approved by SBE
• ELAS/CALPADS Deadline Approaching for LEAs
• Important Reminder to LEAs
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• Tools for Teachers Webinar Series Starts Next Week
• 2021 California Assessment Conference: Registration Closing Soon

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 155 – September 10, 2021

• Register for Lexile and Quantile Trainings
• Focus Group Opportunities for Charter School Coordinators
• Progress! Use of Stopping Markers on Initial ELPAC Improving
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• September's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Using Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Connections Playlists
• Webinar Reminder: Supporting English Learners with Tools for Teachers

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 154 – September 3, 2021

• Updated Accessibility Matrix and Resource Graphics for 2021–22
• Growth Model Toolkit and FAQs: Webinar This Month
• 2021 CAC: Connect with Colleagues from Throughout the State
• System Downtime Starts Today

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 153 – August 27, 2021

• Initial ELPAC Guidance for LEAs Impacted by Fires
• New Alternate ELPAC Starting Smarter Website
• Initial ELPAC Question of the Week
• Webinar Series: Tools for Teachers Shared Practices!
• Training for New Coordinators: Assessment Accessibility
• Schedule Posted for 2021 California Assessment Conference
• Updated CAST Item Specifications Now Posted
• Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems Starts Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 152 – August 20, 2021

• 2021–22 ELPAC Information Guide Is Here
• Initial ELPAC Remote Videos Available
• Upcoming Educator Opportunity: CSA Development
• All Set for 2021–22: Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
• New Guidance for CAAs and Alternate ELPAC: Alt for All

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 151 – August 13, 2021

• Learn How It's Done at Summer CAASPP New Coordinator Training
• New Resource—Organization of 2021–22 CAST
• Good to Know—Notifying Parents About Summative ELPAC Results
• Sample Initial ELPAC SSRs
• August's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Using Ratios to Solve Real-World Problems
• Last of the HSE Summer Convenings Coming Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 150 – August 6, 2021

• Keynotes by John Hattie and Keisa Brown at the 2021 California Assessment Conference
• System Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC
• HSE Summer Convenings Continue
• PFT Resumes in 2021–22
• Registration for Fall CHSPE Opens This Month

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 149 – July 30, 2021

• Space Available! Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Training
• HSE Summer Convenings Begin Next Week!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 148 – July 23, 2021

• Starting Smarter: Visit CDE's Updated Version!
• Recent Update: California Assessment Timeline
• 2021 California Assessment Conference!
• It's Not Too Late: Register for the 2021 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting!
• By Request: Newly Reorganized Resource for Initial ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 147 – July 16, 2021

• CAASPP Student Results Now Available
• 2021–22 CDE Assessment Update Webinar Series Starts in November!
• The 2021–22 Initial ELPAC Is Under Way!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 146 – July 9, 2021

• July’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—“Sunshine and Showers”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 145 – July 2, 2021

• July Webinars for New Coordinators
• Registration Open for High School Equivalency Summer Convenings!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 144 – June 25, 2021

• New! CAST Range Achievement Level Descriptors Web Page
• Form Assignments for 2021–22 Alternate ELPAC
• Now Posted: 2021–22 Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Second Scoring Assignments
• Coming in July: 2021 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series!
• High School Equivalency: Summer Convenings in August
• Recent Study: Exploring Math Education Relationships by Analyzing Large Data Sets

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 143 – June 18, 2021

• Summative ELPAC Results and Student Score Reports Now Available!
• Summer Opportunity: Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
• Reserve Your Spot Today for the 2021 CAC!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 142 – June 11, 2021

• Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant Available
• 2021–22 CDE Assessment Update Webinar Series
• June's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Understanding English Language Arts/Literacy Performance Tasks Instructional Resource Creation: Grades 3–5

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 141 – June 4, 2021

• 2021 CAC: High-Quality Professional Development on a Budget
• ELPAC: New Time Frame for Counting Newly Identified RFEP Students
• ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 140 – May 28, 2021

• 2021 CAC Scholarships for California Educators
• Unique Opportunity for Educators with Special Education and Science Experience: CAA for Science Standard Setting Workshop!
• Summative ELPAC Eligibility List Reminder
• ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 139 – May 21, 2021

• 2021 CAC: Call for Shared Practices Proposals!
• Reminder: Submit Summative ELPAC Answer Books
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• Registration Open for New Coordinator Training—Summer ELPAC Sessions
• Register Now for the 2021 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 138 – May 14, 2021

• Registration Now Open for Virtual 2021 CAC
• Unique Opportunity for Educators with Special Education and Science Experience: CAA for Science Standard Setting Workshop!
• 2021–22 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides Posted!
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• May's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource: "Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 137 – May 7, 2021

• Starting Next Month: 2021–22 New Coordinator Training Series
• STAIRS Common Scenarios Guide Posted
• New Alternate ELPAC Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 136 – April 30, 2021

• CSA Provides LEAs Information on Spanish RLA Skills and Programs!
• First Report in New "ELPAC in Action" Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 135 – April 23, 2021

• Smarter Balanced Events: Applications Due by May 3!
• Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Dates for 2021
• ELPAC Questions of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 134 – April 16, 2021

• 2020–21 Spring Administration FAQs and Guidance
• Reminder: ELPAC Data Entry Requirement
• CERS Sandbox Offline Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 133 – April 9, 2021

• Response from US Department of Education
• Testing Window Extension Approved
• New Coordinator Training Webinar #5—A Deep Drive into Preparing for Scores
• Just Posted—Response Options for Alternate Assessments Flyer!
• April's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"How Much Time?"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 132 – April 2, 2021

• CHSPE: Administrations in April and May
• Enhance Formative Assessment Practices

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 131 – March 26, 2021

• Updated Frequently Asked Questions
• Unique Opportunity for Elementary Science Educators
• Hand Scoring Calibration Workshop for Math Teachers
• Smarter Balanced Activities, 2021: Submit Your Application!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 130 – March 19, 2021

• March 24 Assessment, Accountability, and System of Support Update Webinar: Learn the Latest Information!
• Upcoming ELPAC Item Writer Workshop
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• Reminder: Downtime Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 129 – March 12, 2021

• Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
• Look to CERS for CAASPP, ELPAC, and Interim Assessment Results!
• Teacher Training—Calibrate Student Scoring to Inform Teaching and Learning
• 2020–21 Test Security Affidavit Guidance for ELPAC and CAASPP
• Alternate ELPAC Field Test Administration Manual Now Available!
• March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Sticky Socks"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 128 – March 5, 2021

• Feedback Needed on Assessment Flexibilities
• Educators Needed for Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop
• Apply Now for 2021 Smarter Balanced Assessment Development Activities
• CAA for ELA: Second Scoring Requirement Suspended for 2020–21
• New ELPAC Video Available!
• Useful 2020–21 General Guide for ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 127 – February 26, 2021

• SBE Votes to Seek Federal Flexibilities Due to Impacts of COVID-19
• ELPAC Questions of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 126 – February 19, 2021

• Feedback Needed This Week on Testing Window Options
• CDE Assessment Update Webinar Coming in March
• Teacher Training: Using the Hand Scoring Process to Inform Teaching and Learning
• ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 125 – February 12, 2021

• Find It Here: New Web page with Quick Links!
• February's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Strategies at Your Fingertips
• Now in Spanish: ELPAC Remote Test Instructions for Parents/Guardians

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 124 – February 5, 2021

• Coming This Month: Test Security Webinar for New Coordinators
• Smarter Balanced Adjusted Summative Blueprints Posted!
• Lexile^® & Quantile^® Hub Available to California Educators
• Opportunity in March: Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop
• Summative ELPAC Testing Has Begun!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 123 – January 29, 2021

• Training Opportunities Web Pages Now Even Easier to Use!
• Next Week: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops Resume

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 122 – January 22, 2021

• Interim Assessments Offer Flexibility Needed During Distance Learning
• New! Tools for Teachers Overview Video
• Opportunity: Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop in March
• Now Posted: New CAST Practice Test Constructed Response Annotated Examples

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 121 ‒ January 15, 2021

• January Assessment Update Webinar
• 2020‒21 Online ELPAC Test Administration Manual ‒ Now Available!
• Interim and Formative Assessment Materials for LEA Trainers Now Available in TOMS
• New! Professional Learning Video for Smarter Content Explorer

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 120 ‒ January 8, 2021

• Your Questions Answered: Summative Assessment Administration
• Teachers: Register for Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops!
• New Video: Creating Student Groups in CERS
• January's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Determining Point of View/Using Evidence"
• New ELPAC Quick Reference Guides—Now Available!
• Tools for Teachers: Science Formative Assessment Resources, K‒5!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 119 ‒ December 18, 2020

• CDE Assessment Update Webinar Date Change
• Considerations and Options for Summative Test Administration
• Your Questions Answered: Summative Assessment Administration
• New Flyer for CAA for Science Test Examiners!
• Reminder: Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
• No Assessment Spotlight over Break

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 118 ‒ December 11, 2020

• November 2020 CDE Assessment Update Webinar Posted
• Assessment Update Webinar Series Continues Next Month
• Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
• New Information: Smarter Balanced Online Resources Updated
• December's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Little Bear Mountain"
• California Spanish Assessment—Upcoming Item Writer Workshop

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 117 ‒ December 4, 2020

• New in CALPADS: Student Preferred Name
• Results of CAA for Science Alignment Study Now Available
• Reclassification of English Learner Students: Reminder

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 116 ‒ November 20, 2020

• Join Us: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops for Teachers
• New! Tool for Understanding How Smarter Balanced Scores Written Responses
• Accessibility
• Summative ELPAC Virtual Office Hours: Date Change Next Month

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 115 ‒ November 13, 2020

• New Coordinator Training for CAASPP in December
• This Month's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Lessons from a Story"
• New Alternate ELPAC Video for Parents!
• Results for 2019‒2020 Initial ELPAC Now Available
• New Feature in CERS: Student Information System Integration

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 114 ‒ November 6, 2020

• New! Alternate ELPAC Resources Web Page
• Alternate ELPAC Training Certification is Well Underway!
• ELPAC Questions of the Week
• Join Us for ELPAC Office Hours!
• CAA for Science Starting Smarter Web Pages—Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 113 ‒ October 30, 2020

• Registration Open for 2020‒21 Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops for Teachers!
• Summative ELPAC LEA Certification Courses
• Available by Request: Summative ELPAC Training Binders
• Updates on Changes to English Learner Count from CALPADS
• Guidance on Using Eye Gaze as an Alternate Response Option—Just Updated!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 112 ‒ October 23, 2020

• The 1 Percent Threshold Justification Survey
• New ELPAC Coordinator Trainings Coming in November
• New! Alternate ELPAC Frequently Asked Questions
• Now Open: Summative ELPAC Moodle Training Site
• ELPAC Delayed Assessment Letter Template Now Available
• Updated Multilingual Support Frequently Asked Questions
• CDE Assessment Update Webinar in November!
• Upcoming CAASPP and ELPAC Systems Downtime

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 111 – October 9, 2020

• October 22: New Coordinator Training—A Deep Dive into Resources for Student Practice
• Just Posted: 2020 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting!
• Using Interim Assessments During Distance Learning
• October’s Featured Resource Available in Tools for Teachers— “Smarter Balanced Ecosystem”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 110 – October 2, 2020

• Video Now Available for Entering Student Responses and Scores into the Data Entry Interface
• Tools for Teachers Grand Opening!
• Now Available: Updated Interim Assessment Video Series and User Guide
• Updated Assessment FAQs
• Just Posted: The California Alternate Assessment for Science Item Content Specifications!
• Just Posted: 2020‒21 California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science flyer!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 109 – September 25, 2020

• Senate Bill 820 Approved!
• SB 820 and the Initial ELPAC: How to Proceed
• SB 820 and the PFT
• Updated ELPAC Directions for Administration
• CSA Development: California Spanish Educators Needed!
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• Now Available! Materials for the 2020 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 108 – September 18, 2020

• Lexile^® and Quantile^® Measures Available Soon to Support Students Learning
• Don’t Forget! Register for the 2020 Virtual CAC
• Alternate ELPAC
• Update on the National Assessment of Educational Progress

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 107 – September 11, 2020

• LEA CAASPP Coordinators: Register for September Webinar About CAA 1 Percent Survey
• Register Now! Remote Administration of Interim Assessments—Shared Practices Webinar
• Renowned Educator Douglas Fisher to Speak at 2020 CAC
• Reminder―CAASPP and ELPAC “Get Involved” Web Pages!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 106 – September 4, 2020

• Test Administration Guidelines Now Available!
• Attention LEA Staff Trainers: Register for the 2020 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series
• New Resource! Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Item Portal
• LEA Coordinators: The CDE Wants to Hear from You!
• Success! At-Home HSE Testing with Online Proctoring

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 105 – August 28, 2020

• Test Administration Options Guidelines Delayed
• CAC Scholarship Request Deadline Fast Approaching
• New Resource! Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Connections Playlists
• How to Obtain a Tools for Teachers Account
• Available Now! 2020–2021 ELPAC Information Guide
• ELPAC: Answering Your Questions
• Optional CSA Letter Template for Parents and Guardians
• Just Posted: Standard Setting Technical Report for the CAST
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 104 – August 21, 2020

• ELPAC: Answering Your Questions in Detail
• First Initial ELPAC Student Score Reports Produced for 2020–2021
• Now Available! 2020–2021 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
• Register Now! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar
• September Webinar for the CAA 1 Percent Survey
• CAC Schedule Now Posted!
• Reminder: Meeting the California High School Science Testing Requirement

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 103 – August 14, 2020

• Systems Downtime Reminder—CAASPP and ELPAC
• Virtual Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
• Don’t Forget! Register for the 2020 Virtual CAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 102 – August 7, 2020

• ELPAC Remote Testing Guidelines Coming Soon!
• Virtual Conference for Classroom Educators in October

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 101 – July 31, 2020

• FAQs: English Learner Services During COVID-19
• Coming in September: Training for New CAASPP Coordinators
• New: Back to School Assessment Playbook
• 2020–21 CAA for Science Test Examiner Tutorial Now Available!
• Updates: National and International Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 100 – July 24, 2020

• Distance Learning and Test Administration Options
• Reporting Fall Administration of ELPAC for Initial Identification and Reclassification of English Learners
• CAA for Science Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit Web Page Updated
• 2019–2020 CAASPP Results Now Available!
• 2019–2020 ELPAC Results Now Available
• Who Met the 2019–2020 High School Science Testing Requirement?

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 99 – July 17, 2020

• Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Now Open to All
• New Coordinator Training WebEx #1—A Deep Dive into Receiving Results
• ELPAC
• Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines
• Introducing: The California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 98 – July 10, 2020

• Calling New CAASPP Coordinators: “Welcome WebEx” on July 16
• Summative ELPAC Fall Administration Coming Soon!
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• ELPAC Webcast Posted
• New ELPAC Resource Available
• Tools for Teachers: Two New Demonstration Videos!
• Heads Up: Deadline for 2019–2020 Interim Assessment Hand Scoring

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 97 – July 7, 2020

• New Resource! Guidance on Diagnostic and Formative Assessments
• CALPADS and the ELPAC: Changes
• Summative ELPAC Question of the Week
• Interim Assessments: Availability of Remote Administration Extended
• CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides for 2020–2021 Now Available!
• Registration Open for High School Equivalency Summer Convenings!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 96 – June 26, 2020

• COVID-19 and Assessments: FAQs
•  Low-Cost Professional Development at the 2020 Virtual CAC
• Initial ELPAC: Answers to Your Questions
• 2018–19 CAST Results Now Available in CERS

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 95 – June 19, 2020

• We Are Here to Support You—2020 Virtual CAC!
• New Call for CAC Presenters
• Tools for Teachers: Preview Now and Attend Webinar on June 22!
• WebEx for CALPADS and ELPAC Coordinators Now Posted!
• Live ELPAC Webcast: Then, Now, and Beyond

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 94 – June 12, 2020

• Checklist: June 2020 ELPAC Reminders
• New ELPAC Test Security Affidavit
• CHSPE Is Back
• High School Equivalency Tests—At Home
• Administration of the PFT to Continue
• Just Posted—CAST Alignment Study Report!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 93 – May 29, 2020

• Newly Updated Smarter Content Explorer!
• Webinars for All LEA CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators in 2020–21

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 92 – May 22, 2020

• Digital Library Retiring Next Week—Final Chance to Download Your Favorite Resources!
• WebEx in June for CALPADS and ELPAC Coordinators
• Just Posted: Two New Web Pages for the Science Assessments!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 91 – May 15, 2020

• CAASPP Updates on Additional Resources Web Page
• All Coordinators Webinar from April 21, 2020, Now Posted
• Preparing for the Alternate ELPAC in 2020–21

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 90 – May 8, 2020

• National and International Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 89 – May 1, 2020

• CDE Committed to Annual California Assessment Conference, 2020
• Reminder: Interim Assessments Available for Distance Learning
• Physical Fitness Test
• Student Test Settings in CALPADS
• Digital Library Change Coming Soon!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 88 – April 24, 2020

• North–South Assessment and Accountability Information Meetings, 2020
• Register Now for the California Assessment Conference, 2020
• 2020–2021 Initial ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 87 – April 17, 2020

• Assessment Spotlight Moves from Wednesdays to Fridays
• Interim Assessments Now Available to LEAs for Distance Learning
• CAASPP and ELPAC Test Security Updates

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 86 – April 10, 2020

• Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments for Distance Learning
• Webinar for Assessment, Accountability, and Dashboard Coordinators
• Registration Open for 2020 California Assessment Conference
• Now Available—CAA for Science Practice Test Scoring Guides
• Recent Improvements to CAASPP Web Pages!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 85 – March 20, 2020

• Update on COVID-19 and the Suspension of Statewide Testing
  
• High School Equivalency Summer Convenings in August
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 84 – March 11, 2020

• California Spanish Assessment Administration Is Under Way!
• New ELPAC Video Resource!
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 83 – March 5, 2020

• WebEx for All CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators—Are You Registered?
• Coronavirus
• CAST Practice and Training Test Scoring Guides Available!
• CAST: Available Resources Flyer Updated!
• CAST Performance Charts Added to CAST Results
• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Navigating the Fundamentals of Research”
• Age Twenty-Two and the ELPAC
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• Guidance for Analyzing CSA Results
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 82 – February 27, 2020

• Summative ELPAC Administration Under Way!
• ELPAC Question of the Week
• California Spanish Assessment: Materials Available in TOMS
• New Resource for the CSA
• California Science Test Release Resources Posted!
• Register Your Eligible Students for the Alternate Assessments
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 81 – February 20, 2020

• Save the Date! 2020 North–South Assessment Information Meetings
• Educators Needed for 2020 Smarter Balanced Assessment Development Activities
• Next Month: WebEx for All CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 80 – February 12, 2020

• California Science Test and California Spanish Assessment: 2018–19 Summary Results
• Seeking Educators for CAA Item Writer Workshop
• ELPAC––New Resource!
• Plan Now to Attend the 2020 California Assessment Conference
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 79 – February 6, 2020

• February’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “I Can Divide!”
• Registration Still Open for New Coordinator WebEx!
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 78 – January 30, 2020

• Release of New Smarter Balanced Sample Items and Annotated Anchors Next Week
• Now Available: 2019–2020 Interim Assessment User Guide
• ELPAC––Fee-based Services Coming Soon!
• Constructed-Response Items for the California Spanish Assessment Coming Soon!
• Alternate Assessments
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 77 – January 23, 2020

• Now Available: CAASPP and ELAPC TOMS User Guide
• Are Your Grade Eight and High School Students Ready to Take the CAST?
• Reminders for Those Administering Science Assessments to High School Students!
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 76 – January 16, 2020

• Interim Assessment Video Series Updated!
• Summit in February: Innovating for Equity

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 75 – January 9, 2020

• Calendar Reminder: CAASPP and ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
• Coming in February: WebEx for New Coordinators
• Release of Results for the 2018–19 California Science Test and California Spanish Assessment
• California Alternate Assessment for Science: The Time Is Now!
• Save the Date for the 2020 California Assessment Conference
• January’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Closing the Story!”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 74 – December 18, 2019

• Updated Quick Reference Guides

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 73 – December 11, 2019

• Resources for the 2019–20 CAASPP and ELPAC Now Available
• Opportunity to Participate in CAASPP Case Study!
• California Educator Reporting System: Key Resources
• ELPAC—Remember to Update Students’ English Language Acquisition Status!
• Summative ELPAC Kindergarten Through Grade Two Test Materials Ordering

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 72 – December 4, 2019

• Summative ELPAC Assessment Results in the California Educator Reporting System
• December’s Featured Digital Library Resource for Professional Learning—“Understanding the Formative Assessment Process”
• Check Them Out! New ELPAC Accessibility Resources
• Alternate ELPAC: Looking Ahead
• New CAA for Science Performance Task Video!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 71 – November 20, 2019

• Watch and Learn with the Interim Assessment Video Series!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 70 – November 13, 2019

• Updated California Science Test Practice and Training Tests Now Available!
• 2018–19 ELPAC Results Coming Soon!
• Reminders: 1.0 Percent Justification Survey and IEPs
• Attention New LEA Coordinators!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 69 – November 6, 2019

• Attention All LEAs: 1.0 Percent Justification Survey Deadline Extended!
• November’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“We Have the Same Birthday”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 68 – October 30, 2019

• Science Assessment Implementation Modules!
• Reminder—Smarter Content Explorer Now Available
• 1.0 Percent Justification Survey Deadline Extended

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 67 – October 23, 2019

• Updated Science Web Pages with Links to New Resources
• New from the Winners of the “Science! It’s Elementary” Contest: Elementary Science Resources

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 66 – October 16, 2019

• Registration Open for 2019–20 Pretest Workshop!
• Newly Updated! Matrix Four: ELPAC Accessibility Resources
• Computer-Based ELPAC Field Test
• ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 65 – October 9, 2019

• 2018–19 Results Release
• First Operational CAA for Science: Time to Register All Eligible Students!
• Updated Periodic Table and Reference Sheet for CAST
• High School Science Participation Reports Available in TOMS!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 64 – October 2, 2019

• Registration Closing Soon for 2019 California Assessment Conference!
• October’s Featured Digital library Resource: “Juicy Introductions to Start Your Narrative—Delectable Beginnings to Start Your Story”
• Smarter Balanced Digital Library Connections Playlists for Focused Interim Assessment Blocks

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 63 – September 25, 2019

• Learn More About Smarter Balanced Assessments with the Smarter Content Explorer!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 62 – September 18, 2019

• Survey for LEA Coordinators!
• Assessment Information Meeting Materials Now Posted
• CAASPP and ELPAC Results and Permanent Student Records
• Check Them Out! Interim Assessment Resources for Educators
• Remedies for Missing Addresses on Initial ELPAC SSRs

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 61 – September 11, 2019

• Single Sign-on for CAASPP and ELPAC Online Components!
• Coming on September 17: Webinar for New LEA Coordinators
• Updated Science Test Administration for High School Students Flyer
• 2019–20 CAA Test Examiner Tutorial—Now Available for CAA for Science
• New CAA for Science Practice Tests Posted!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 60 – September 4, 2019

• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Find My Equation”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 59 – August 28, 2019

• 2019–20 LEA CAASPP Coordinator Checklist!
• New CDE Alternate ELPAC Web Page
• Posted: 2019–20 ELPAC Information Guide
• ELPAC Test Security Affidavit for Non-TOMS Users Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 58 – August 21, 2019

• New Video! Science: It’s Elementary
• Downtime Starts Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Online System Components
• CAA Guidance on Assessing Students Using Eye Gaze—Just Updated!
• Alternate Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 57 – August 14, 2019

• New School Year, New Planning to Do: Interim Assessment Overview and Blueprints
• Reminder: Complete All Hand Scoring for Interim Assessments Before System Downtime
• Accessibility
• ELPAC––Last Chance to Participate in Field Test!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 56 – August 7, 2019

• Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Online System Components
• NEW! Interim Assessment Reporting System Sandbox Training Tool
• August’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Get in Order! Using Transition Words in Narrative Writing”
• 2018–19 Science Assessment Scores: When Will They Be Released?
• Training Opportunity for New LEA Coordinators

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 55 – July 31, 2019

• Accessing Individual Student Score Reports in TOMS
• California Alternate Assessment for Science Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit Web Page—Just Updated!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 54 – July 17, 2019

• Needed: California Special Education Teachers with CA NGSS Knowledge for Alignment Process
• Preparing for the 2019–20 CAA for Science—Version Assignments and Administration Planning Guides Posted!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 53 – July 10, 2019

• New Coordinator Webinar on July 16
• New Coordinator Training Continuing at Assessment Information Meeting
• August Standard Setting for the CSA: Sign Up by July 19
• Updated Digital Library Connections Playlists: Time-Saving Tools for Teachers
• Just Posted: California Science Test Item Specifications!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 52 – July 3, 2019

• July’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “An Interview with Margaret Heritage, Formative Assessment Guru”
• More Summertime Formative Assessment Training
• Grade Two Diagnostic Testing—Change in Reporting

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 51 – June 26, 2019

• CAASPP Post-Test Guide Available on CAASPP Portal
•  “The Results Are In … Now What?” Webcast Now Available!
• Attention New LEA Coordinators: Register Now for In-Person Training
• Initial ELPAC Testing Window Closes June 28
• Smarter Balanced Members Vote to Approve Updates to UAAG

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 50 – June 19, 2019

• MyTOMS Is Coming!
• Calendar Reminder: ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
• SBE June Memorandum Regarding the ELPAC Posted for Public Viewing
• CAA for Science Preliminary Indicators and Scale Scores—What Is the Difference?

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 49 – June 12, 2019

• Welcome, New CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators
• Registration Still open for the 2019 Summer Institute!
• Webinar in July for New LEA Coordinators
• 2019 North-South Meetings: Registration Now Open
• Reminders for the California Alternate Assessment for Science!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 48 – June 5, 2019

• June’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Breaking Spaghetti”
• Closing Out This Year’s Summative ELPAC
• Field-Testing the New Computer-Based ELPAC
• California Spanish Assessment

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 47 – May 29, 2019

• ELPAC Administrations Winding Down

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 46 – May 22, 2019

• CAST Braille Scoring Guides are Now Available!
• Does My High School Student Need to Take the California Alternate Assessment for Science?
• Summative ELPAC Materials Return

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 45 – May 15, 2019

• Using the LEA Dashboard to Monitor Test Administration Windows and Scoring Percentages
• Year-End Reminders for the ELPAC
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 44 – May 8, 2019

• Focus on Test Security—Invalidation Appeal FAQs
• Spotlight on Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 43 – May 2, 2019

• New for Families: Starting Smarter Websites
• Coming Soon! Focused Interim Assessment Blocks
• May’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Cranky Counterclaims”
• California Science Test—Key Messages Now Available!
• New CAST Item Specifications Flyer
• Keeping ELPAC Test Materials Safe and Secure
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 42 – April 25, 2019

• New for CAASPP and ELPAC: “Get Involved” Web Pages!
• Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
• New Video––ELPAC Accessibility Resources
• Reminder: Registration Is Open for 2019 Summer Institute!
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 41 – April 17, 2019

• Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Submit My STAIRS Appeal?
• Registration Now Open for the 2019 Summer Institute!
• Get Involved! CAA for ELA “Second Score” Research Study
• California Spanish Assessment
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Update, Issue 40 – April 10, 2019

• Do I Really Need an Appeal? (And What Not to Report in STAIRS)
• Updated Available Resources Flyers for Science Are Here!
• Initial and Summative ELPAC: Important Dates
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 39 – April 4, 2019

• Register Now for 2019 California Assessment Conference Early Bird Special!
• Focus on Test Security—STAIRS Delayed Appeals
• April’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Problem Solving—Dill’er Up 3-Acts Math Lesson”
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 38 – March 28, 2019

• Completion Status Reports for the CAASPP Administration
• Braille Operational CAST Available Next Week!
• All About Accessibility
• Updated Data Dictionary for Interim Assessment Reporting System Exports
• ELPAC––Superintendent Designation Forms
• Register for 2018–19 Post-Test Workshops
• CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators: Save the Date! 2019 Assessment Information Meetings

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 37 – March 21, 2019

• Focus on Test Security—Entering an Incident on the STAIRS Form
• Now Posted: California Science Test Webcast!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 36 – March 13, 2019

• California Science Test: Item Specifications Available!
• Focus on Test Security—Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
• ELPAC Domain Information Sheets Now Available in Spanish!
• Summative ELPAC Test Administration
• All About Accessibility
• 2019 California Assessment Conference: Registration Opens Friday

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 35 – March 6, 2019

• CAASPP Manuals for a Successful Administration!
• Focus on Test Security: New STAIRS/Appeals Process
• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Determining Word Meanings Using an Excerpt from ‘Charles’ by Shirley Jackson”
• Next Generation Science Standards: Three-Dimensional Learning Is a SNAP!
• Reminder: Science Reference Tools Available
• All About Accessibility
• California Spanish Assessment

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 34 – February 27, 2019

• New Video—California Science Test and the Next Generation Science Standards!
• More About the CAST: Planning Your Pause Points
• All About Accessibility
• New At-a-Glance Resource for Smarter Balanced Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments!
• Summative ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 33 – February 20, 2019

• There’s Still Time to Submit Entries for Science: It’s Elementary!
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 32 – February 13, 2019

• Now Available! 2018–19 CAASPP and ELPAC Pretest Workshop Materials
• ELPAC—Testing Irregularities and Security Breaches
• All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 31 – February 7, 2019

• State Assessment Apportionment System
• Translations of Parent Notification Letter Template Available!
• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“5^th Graders Analyzing Text: Text Talk Time”
• All About Accessibility
• ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 30 – January 30, 2019

• Electronic Student Score Reports Coming Soon!
• Save the Date: CAST Training Webcast in February
• Test Examiner Tutorial Now Available for CAA for Science
• Science and Assessment Contest for K–5 Teachers!
• All About Accessibility
• ELPAC––Updated Resource
• Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Development Activities in 2019

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 29 – January 23, 2019

• Educators Needed for Assessment Development Activities
• Updated CAASPP Resources
•  All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 28 – January 17, 2019

• Assignment of Designated Supports and Accommodations—Data Posted
• All About Accessibility
• CAST Practice Tests in Braille Are Here!
• CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides Posted!
• 2019 California Assessment Conference

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 27 – January 10, 2019

• State Assessment Apportionment System
• Updated Web Page and New Resources Available!
• Now Posted: California Alternate Assessment for Science Webcast!
• ELPAC: Summative ELPAC Test Administration Manual Coming Soon!
• California Spanish Assessment: Practice Tests Now Available
• Reminder: Administrator Resources Available for the Interim Assessment Reporting System
• CAASPP Regulations Public Comment Period Open

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 26 – December 26, 2018

• Calendar Reminder: CAASPP and ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Sticky Note Graphs”
• ELPAC Rotating Score Validation Process Corrections
• California High School Proficiency Exam
• Physical Fitness Test

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 25 – December 19, 2018

• For Kids, By Kids Video Contest Winners

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 24 – December 12, 2018

• New Resources for the ELPAC!
• ELPAC Regulations: Domain Exemptions and Alternate Assessments
• Initial ELPAC Threshold Scores Review
• ELPAC Rotation Score Validation Process
• California Spanish Assessment––New Resource Available!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 23 – December 5, 2018

• Mark Your Calendar: CAA for Science Webcast Next Week!
• December’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“How Can I Trust You? Ways to Evaluate Source Credibility”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 22 – November 28, 2018

• California Science Test Classroom Resources Now Available!
• Interim Assessments and Digital Library: New Video for Staff
• Reminder: Educator Feedback Needed for New IABs

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 21 – November 21, 2018

• Opportunity for Classroom Teachers to Provide Input on Design of New Interim Assessment Blocks
• CDE Seeking Input from California Science Educators

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 20 – November 15, 2018

• California’s Science Tests—Are You Ready to Assess Your High School Students?
• California Spanish Assessment Data Review Meeting––Educator Participation Makes a Difference!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 19 – November 7, 2018

• They’re Here—New Practice and Updated Training Tests for the California Science Test!
• Online Training Performance Task for California Alternate Assessment for Science
• New Feature for Summative ELPAC Eligibility Report
• November’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Systems of Equations Class Debate”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 18 – October 31, 2018

• ELPAC Summary Reports Released
• New Resource Offers Guidance on the ELPAC!
• In the Loop: Updating LEA ELPAC Contact Information
• We Asked, and You Responded!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 17 – October 24, 2018

• New! Guide for Using Completion Status and Roster Management Systems
• Updated Accessibility Resource Now Available for Science
• Video Contest—Keep Those Votes Coming!
• California Spanish Assessment
• ELPAC Guidance
• ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 16 – October 17, 2018

• Coordinator Survey: Share Your Feedback!
• New English-Spanish Glossary Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 15 – October 10, 2018

• Updated Digital Library Playlists
• Accessibility
• ELPAC Search Function Now Available!
• ELPAC: Use of Preliminary Scoring Rubrics in TOMS During CALPADS Downtime
• ELPAC Development—Opportunity for Educators!
• More Resources for the ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 14 – October 3, 2018

• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing”
• Now Posted: Webinar About the ELPAC and CALPADS Data!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 13 – September 26, 2018

• Update: Planned CALPADS Downtime Extended
• New Look for Testing Web Pages
• For Kids, By Kids Video Contest: Voting Is Open
• 2018–19 CAASPP Interim Assessment User Guide Now Available
• Updated High School Science Test Administration Resource––Now Available!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 12 – September 19, 2018

• New Two-Step Authentication Logon Process for TOMS
• Reminder: Planned CALPADS Downtime for System Updates
• New Manuals for the Summative Assessments
• Accessibility
• CSA Field Test Under Way
• CSA Data Review Meeting This Fall
• New ELPAC Resource
• ELPAC Student Data Extract Report Coming Soon!
• ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 11 – September 12, 2018

• Planned CALPADS Downtime for System Updates
• CAASPP Institute—Register Now for a Fantastic Professional Development Opportunity!
• ELPAC––Important Updates

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 10 – September 5, 2018

• All Systems “GO!” for CAASPP Online Components
• Interim Assessments
• This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Formative Assessment Quotes”
• Coming Right Up: 2018 North-South Meeting!
• ELPAC Matrix 4 Updated!
• No English Learners? ELPAC Coordinator Designation Still Required
• ELPAC Question Corner
• California Spanish Assessment Field Test: Resources Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 9 – August 29, 2018

• Step Right Up: Training for New ELPAC Coordinators Next Month
• Reminder—Professional Learning Opportunity for Science Teachers: CAST Academy
• ELPAC Development Activities: Opportunities for Educators
• ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 8 – August 22, 2018

• Downtime for CAASPP Online System Components
• CAST Academy, October 2018!
• Calculating Preliminary Initial ELPAC Scores
• New ELPAC Resources!
• ELPAC/CALPADS Webinar
• ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 7 – August 15, 2018

• Save the Date: 2018 North-South Meeting in September
• Social Media: Check Us Out!
• Smarter Balanced Sample Items Website
• Accessibility
• California Spanish Assessment–Field Test Nearing
• Amended Emergency ELPAC Regulations
• ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 6 – August 8, 2018

• Gearing Up for the New School Year: Key Features of the Interim Assessment Reporting System
• CAASPP Institute: Calling All Teachers!
• Accessibility
• ELPAC Training This Fall
• Start the New School Year with New ELPAC Resources

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 5 – August 1, 2018

• August’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Exploring Pi with ‘Sir Cumference'"
• ELPAC Question Corner
• Invitation to LEAs: Field-Testing the California Spanish Assessment

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 4 – July 25, 2018

• ELPAC – A Round of Applause for Use of the Local Scoring Tool!
• Initial ELPAC Parent Notification Translations Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 3 – July 18, 2018

• 2017–18 CAASPP Administration Closes on Successful Note
• Sample CAASPP Student Score Reports and Guides to the Reports
• More Progress for ELPAC!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 2 – July 11, 2018

• Notes on the ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 1 – July 5, 2018

• New Name for the CAASPP Update
• July’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Inferencing: Drawing Conclusions in an Informational Text”