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 231 – May 12, 2023
• Issue 230 – May 5, 2023
• Issue 229 – April 28, 2023
• Issue 228 – April 21, 2023
• Issue 227 – April 14, 2023
• Issue 226 – April 7, 2023
• Issue 225 – March 24, 2023
• Issue 224 – March 10, 2023
• Issue 223 – March 3, 2023
• Issue 222 – February 17, 2023
• Issue 221 – February 10, 2023
• Issue 220 – February 3, 2023
• Issue 219 – January 27, 2023
• Issue 218 – January 20, 2023
• Issue 217 – January 13, 2023
• Issue 216 – January 6, 2023
• Issue 215 – December 16, 2022
• Issue 214 – December 9, 2022
• Issue 213 – December 2, 2022
• Issue 212 – November 18, 2022
• Issue 211 – November 11, 2022
• Issue 210 – November 4, 2022
• Issue 209 – October 28, 2022
• Issue 208 – October 21, 2022
• Issue 207 – October 14, 2022
• Issue 206 – October 7, 2022
• Issue 205 – September 30, 2022
• Issue 204 – September 23, 2022
• Issue 203 – September 16, 2022
• Issue 202 – September 9, 2022
• Issue 201 – September 2, 2022
• Issue 200 – August 26, 2022
• Issue 199 – August 19, 2022
• Issue 198 – August 12, 2022
• Issue 197 – August 5, 2022
• Issue 196 – July 29, 2022
• Issue 195 – July 22, 2022
• Issue 194 – July 8, 2022
• Issue 193 – July 1, 2022
• Issue 192 – June 24, 2022
• Issue 191 – June 17, 2022
• Issue 190 – June 10, 2022
• Issue 189 – June 3, 2022
• Issue 188 – May 27, 2022
• Issue 187 – May 20, 2022
• Issue 186 – May 13, 2022
• Issue 185 – May 6, 2022
• Issue 184 – April 29, 2022
• Issue 183 – April 22, 2022
• Issue 182 – April 15, 2022
• Issue 181 – April 8, 2022
• Issue 180 – April 1, 2022
• 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

• 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-afffected 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

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 186 – May 13, 2022

• Summer ELPAC New Coordinator Training—Register Now
• California Spanish Assessment Opportunity to Get Involved!
• May's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers: Desmos - Balloon Float

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 185 – May 6, 2022

• 2022 CAC: Call for Shared Practice Proposals
• Educators Still Needed for the Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop
• Focus on Test Security—Invalidation Appeal FAQs
• Registration Open for Introduction to CERS Training!
• Plan to Join Us at the 2022 HSE Summer Covenings!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 184 – April 29, 2022

• Registration for Summer CHSPE Extended to May 6!
• Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting, 2022
• Contacts for Questions About CAASPP and ELPAC Administration
• CAASPP and ELPAC Summative Assessment Windows
• New Tool for Quick Answers to Common Questions!
• High School Science Test Participation

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 183 – April 22, 2022

• Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop!
• Alternate ELPAC English Only Study Extended
• Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
• Now Available—Text-to-Speech Accessibility Resource Video!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 182 – April 15, 2022

• 2022 CAC Registration Now Live!
• CALPADS Downtime
• Administer the CSA to Registered Students
• CSA Questions of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 181 – April 8, 2022

• New Tool Offers User Friendly Way to Get Answers!
• CAASPP Question of the Week
• Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Sumbit My STAIRS Appeal?
• April's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Travel Machine

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 180 – April 1, 2022

• Focus on Test Secuirty—STAIRS Delayed Appeals
• 2021–22 CAA for Science Performance Tasks
• Locations and Dates Announced for 2022 HSE Summer Covenings!
• CALPADS Downtime Postponed to April 6–11

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